void methods

Learn void methods that do not return a value.

void methods

The void return type means the method returns no value. Such methods perform a side effect: they print to the screen, change state, or write to a file. They give nothing back.

Example: static void PrintLine(string text) { Console.WriteLine(text); }. This method takes a string and prints it to the screen; there is nothing to return to the caller.

void and return

The body of a void method has no return statement. Still, you can exit early with return; (no value). It is used to end the method immediately when a condition is met.

You cannot use a method that returns nothing in an assignment: int x = PrintLine("hello"); gives a compile error. Because void is not a value.

Exercise Print method

Define a static void PrintLine(string text) method; in the body call Console.WriteLine(text). In Main, call it with PrintLine("Hello").

Show example solution

Add Console.WriteLine(text); to the PrintLine body, write PrintLine("Hello"); in Main.
Example solution:
using System;

class Program
{
    static void PrintLine(string text)
    {
        // Print text
        Console.WriteLine(text);
    }

    static void Main()
    {
        // Call PrintLine with "Hello"
        PrintLine("Hello");
    }
}

Test yourself

void method body

static void PrintLine(string text)
{
    ____
}

Show answer

static void PrintLine(string text)
{
    Console.WriteLine(text);
}

Match each expression to its meaning

void

No value
return 5;

Returns 5
Console.WriteLine

Side effect
static

Class-level
What does the SayHi() call print?
```
static void SayHi()
{
    Console.WriteLine("Hi");
}
SayHi();
```
- Hello
- Hi
- Hey
- void
Show answer

Hi — Correct. The SayHi body runs Console.WriteLine("Hi").

Next lesson: Method overloading

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