[2005] Is it possible for a function have multiple variables with in a return

[Abrium]

I have a simple question about functions.

Once you create a function is it possible for that function's return statement to return the value of multiple variables. Example:

Function somefunction() as Decimal

If A > B Then
var1 = this number
var2 = that number
var3 = and so on...
End If

Return...(What would I put here to return all three variables?)

End Function.

I realize these questions seem elementary to a lot but I only have the minimal lecturing of my professor and a beginners book. I value this forum as a key source of information but I fear that a lot of the processes I am attempting to do with in our assignments either have not been covered or just can not be done.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[Andy_P]

You could return an array of values.

eg..

Function somefunction() as Decimal()
 
    Dim array(2) as decimal
 
    If A > B Then
        array(0) = this number
        array(1) = that number
        array(2) = and so on...
    End If
 
    Return array
 
End Function.

Hope that helps a bit.

[RobDog888]

You shouldnt use "Array" for a variable as its a reserved word/type of object.

You can also return multiple variables if you pass them into the function ByRef.

[Andy_P]

Yes, fair point Rob, I stand corrected.

[RobDog888]

Just declare the return type as an Array or ArrayList. But if you only have a few args to return the ByRef may be a better choice.

It also sdepends on what and how you are going to use the return values.

[stanav]

Create a structure or class and have the function return that structure/class... In side the structure/class, you can declare as many different variables of different types as you want.

[Abrium]

Hey Rob how would I incorporate that syntax at the end of the function if I wanted to return multiple variables if you pass them into the function ByRef. Don't mean to pose so many questions but I am rather new to functions and I don't get a lot of support from the staff at school. Just looking for an example to get me off the ground and running. I currently have 4 variables that need to be returned from each of the 8 functions I need to build for this application.

Thanks again guys

[RobDog888]

To return 4 variables from a function call:

Public Function SomeStuff(ByRef iVar1 As Integer, ByRef iVar2 As Integer, ByRef iVar3 As Integer, ByRef iVar4 As Integer) As Boolean
    Try
        'Do some stuff modifying the values of the vars
        Return True
    Catch ex As Exception
        Return False
    End Try
End Function

Then to call and pass the vars:

Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click
    Dim iVar1 As Integer
    Dim iVar2 As Integer
    Dim iVar3 As Integer
    Dim iVar4 As Integer
    If SomeStuff(iVar1, iVar2, iVar3, iVar4) = True Then
        Messagebox.Show(iVar1.ToString & ", " & iVar2.ToString & ", " & iVar3.ToString & ", " & iVar4.ToString & ", ")
    Else
        Messagebox.Show("Error with 'SomeStuff'")
    End If
End Sub