Compiler Error C2534

'identifier' : constructor cannot return a value

Remarks

A constructor cannot contain a return statement with an expression (even if the expression has type void). This differs from regular void-returning function where a return expression of type void is allowed. However, using the return statement without an expression is allowed for early returns in the constructor.

Example

The following example generates C2534:

// C2534.cpp
// compile with: /c
void void_func() {}

class A {
public:
   int i;
   A() {
      return i;   // C2534
      return 123;   // C2534
      return (void)0;   // C2534
      return void_func();   // C2534

      return;   // OK
   }
};

The preceding errors may be fixed by removing the entire return statement or omitting the return expression if an early return is desired.