JavaScript
JavaScript return statement is outside a function
SyntaxError: return not in function
JavaScript found a return statement where function return semantics do not apply, such as top-level script code.
Error AtlasError Documentation and ResolutionObserved message
SyntaxError: return not in function
Why it happens
- A return statement is placed at top level in a script.
- Braces or block structure caused the return to fall outside the intended function.
- Code was copied from a function body into a non-function context.
How to fix it
- Move the return statement inside a function body.
- Check surrounding braces and indentation to confirm the actual scope.
- Refactor top-level logic so it does not rely on return outside a function.
Official reference
MDN: SyntaxError: return not in functionRelated errors
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