1.2.1299. Unused Returned Value

The function called returns a value, which is ignored.

Usually, this is a sign of dead code, or a missed check on the results of the functioncall. At times, it may be a valid call if the function has voluntarily no return value.

It is recommended to add a check on the return value, or remove the call.

Note that this analysis ignores functions that return void (same meaning that PHP 7.1 : return ; or no return in the function body).

<?php

// simplest form
function foo() {
    return 1;
}

foo();

// In case of multiple return, any one that returns something means that return value is meaningful
function bar() {
    if (rand(0, 1)) {
        return 1;
    } else {
        return ;
    }
}

bar();

?>

1.2.1299.1. Specs

Short name	Functions/UnusedReturnedValue
Rulesets	All, Analyze, Dead code
Exakat since	0.8.5
PHP Version	All
Severity	Minor
Time To Fix	Quick (30 mins)
Precision	Very high
Features	return
Available in	Entreprise Edition, Exakat Cloud