Question

I have a method private static DataTable ParseTable(HtmlNode table) and sometimes this method has no return value then I want to make return value optional, is it possible ?

I have tried with if condition.But there is error.

How can I make return value optional for the method if possible ?

Answer 1

You can’t make the return value optional.

Your two options are to either return a null or an empty DataTable:

return new DataTable();

OR:

return null;

Which one is right? It depends on your application logic and how much null checking you are willing to do in your calling functions.

Update: (following comment)

This is how to return conditionally (assumes a variable called dataTable):

 if(gotTable)
 {
   return dataTable;
 }
 else
 {
   return null;
 }