title: Early Return from Functions impact: LOW-MEDIUM impactDescription: avoids unnecessary computation tags: javascript, functions, optimization, early-return
Early Return from Functions
Return early when result is determined to skip unnecessary processing.
Incorrect (processes all items even after finding answer):
typescript
function validateUsers(users: User[]) {
let hasError = false
let errorMessage = ''
for (const user of users) {
if (!user.email) {
hasError = true
errorMessage = 'Email required'
}
if (!user.name) {
hasError = true
errorMessage = 'Name required'
}
// Continues checking all users even after error found
}
return hasError ? { valid: false, error: errorMessage } : { valid: true }
}
Correct (returns immediately on first error):
typescript
function validateUsers(users: User[]) {
for (const user of users) {
if (!user.email) {
return { valid: false, error: 'Email required' }
}
if (!user.name) {
return { valid: false, error: 'Name required' }
}
}
return { valid: true }
}