Array as a Function Return Type and Method Parameter

Wooden numbers

Getty Images/Kristin Lee

Arrays in Delphi allow us to refer to a series of variables by the same name and to use a number (an index) to tell them apart.

Here's an example integer array that can hold up to 7 (integer) values. Note: this is a fixed-size static Delphi array declaration.

Arrays as Function Return Types

In Delphi, functions are routines that return a value.

When you want a function to return an array type variable, you might be tempted to use the next declaration:

When you try to compile this code, you'll get the next compile-time error: [Pascal Error] E2029 Identifier expected but 'ARRAY' found.

Obviously, when you declare functions that will return array value, you cannot include index type specifiers return declaration.

In order to allow a function to return an array value, you first need to create a custom array type, then use it as a return function type:

Arrays as Method/Routine Properties

Similar to using arrays as function return types, when you declare routines that take array parameters, you cannot include index type specifiers in the parameter declarations.

Format
mla apa chicago
Your Citation
Gajic, Zarko. "Array as a Function Return Type and Method Parameter." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/array-as-a-function-return-type-1057837. Gajic, Zarko. (2020, August 27). Array as a Function Return Type and Method Parameter. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/array-as-a-function-return-type-1057837 Gajic, Zarko. "Array as a Function Return Type and Method Parameter." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/array-as-a-function-return-type-1057837 (accessed March 19, 2024).