Functions and methods with `void` return type should not return `null`.

== Why is this an issue?

Dart allows to `return null;` from a function or a method with `void` return type. That happens because, from a technical standpoint, unlike other languages like Java, every function in Dart returns a value: if you don't return a value, `null` will be returned.

From a semantical standpoint, however, this can be misleading, as it may suggest that the function does return an intended value, which is not the case.

It is better to consistently use `return;` and make it clear that in fact the function does not return any intended value.

== How to fix it

Replace `return null;` with `return;`.

=== Code examples

==== Noncompliant code example

[source,dart,diff-id=1,diff-type=noncompliant]
----
void logIf(bool condition, String message) {
  if (!condition) {
    return null; // Noncompliant
  }

  print(message);
}
----

==== Compliant solution

[source,dart,diff-id=1,diff-type=compliant]
----
void logIf(bool condition, String message) {
  if (!condition) {
    return;
  }

  print(message);
}
----

== Resources

=== Documentation

* Dart Docs - https://dart.dev/tools/linter-rules/avoid_returning_null_for_void[Dart Linter rule - avoid_returning_null_for_void]


ifdef::env-github,rspecator-view[]

'''
== Implementation Specification
(visible only on this page)

=== Message

* Don't return 'null' from a function with a return type of 'void'.
* Don't return 'null' from a method with a return type of 'void'.

=== Highlighting

* In the case of a function or method with body: the `return null;` expression, including `;`.
* In the case of an arrow function or an arrow method: the `=> null;` expression, including `;`.


'''
== Comments And Links
(visible only on this page)

endif::env-github,rspecator-view[]