# Function node - what happens if I don't "return" anything?
**URL:** https://discourse.nodered.org/t/function-node-what-happens-if-i-dont-return-anything/7457
**Category:** General
**Created:** [1 February 2019 05:21 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/function-node-what-happens-if-i-dont-return-anything/7457 "2019-02-01T05:21:21Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)
#### Post date: [1 February 2019 05:21 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/function-node-what-happens-if-i-dont-return-anything/7457/1 "2019-02-01T05:21:21Z")
I know I am asking for it by asking, but in light of wanting to learn.....
It probably isn't the reason, but I want to be sure.
My poor RPI is (I am told) running way to hard (60-70% load peaking.)
Now and then it goes up to 100% but only for a while.
Anyway, here's my question:
(Example code only)
(Hand written not real code, but only for showing the problem as I see it)
```auto
var x = msg.payload;
if (x == "foo")
{
msg.payload = "Option 1";
return msg;
}
else
if (x == "boo")
{
msg.payload = "Option 2";
return msg;
}
```
Which has not worried me until now.
If the message is neither "foo" or "boo" then nothing is sent.
That is what is wanted/needed.
Until know I thought (stupidly) that you had to `return msg;`
But a simple `return` is also allowed.
Though I have to admit, I don't get what is returned.
If I have a few (dozen) nodes without the final `return` would that cause problems?
Gotta ask to be sure.
---
### Author:  [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)
#### Post date: [1 February 2019 07:00 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/function-node-what-happens-if-i-dont-return-anything/7457/2 "2019-02-01T07:00:34Z")
A return by itself, return null, and no return at the end at all, all do the same, no message is sent.
---
### Author:  [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)
#### Post date: [1 February 2019 07:01 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/function-node-what-happens-if-i-dont-return-anything/7457/3 "2019-02-01T07:01:31Z")
Ok, that resolves that suspicion.
---
### Author:  [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)
#### Post date: [1 February 2019 09:21 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/function-node-what-happens-if-i-dont-return-anything/7457/4 "2019-02-01T09:21:09Z")
> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> Gotta ask to be sure.
Easily tested though - you need to have confidence in your ability to test 🙂
---
### Author:  [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)
#### Post date: [1 February 2019 09:26 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/function-node-what-happens-if-i-dont-return-anything/7457/5 "2019-02-01T09:26:06Z")
Yeah, as someone once said:
(this applies to me....)
I am good at testing dumb things I do.
But, I try to see the bright side of it. I am learning.