I'm currently going through some Unity tutorials and came across this code snippet:
private void OnTriggerEnter(Collider other) {
}
The tutorial mentions the `void` keyword, but it doesn't really explain what it does. I've heard that it means the function doesn't return anything, but could someone elaborate on what that actually means in practice?
4 Answers
`void` is essentially shouting to the calling code, 'Don’t expect anything back from me!' Functions generally execute some code, and many times they return a result. If you need a function just for performing actions, then `void` is perfect! Think of it as a doorbell—the bell rings (action performed), but nobody's handing you anything in return.
Great question! The `void` keyword specifically means that the function will not give anything back to you after it finishes its job. For example, if you have a method declared as `public void resetGame()`, it runs the reset logic but won’t return any data to whatever invoked it. Functions usually have a return type declared before their name, like `int` or `string`, but with `void`, you're telling everyone: ‘Hey, I'm just doing stuff here with no value returned!’
In programming, functions are like machines: you put something in, and expect something out. When we say a function is `void`, it just means it performs its task without sending anything back.
For instance, with `private void saveProgress()`, it might save your game state, but you won’t get a confirmation or any value back. It simply runs and finishes its job!
So, the term `void` in programming indicates that a function does not return any value when it finishes executing. It’s like when you do something, but you don't hand anything back to the caller. For example, if you have a function that prints something to the screen, it’s just performing an action without needing to return any results.
In simpler terms, think of a function that adds two numbers. If it returns the sum, it might be declared to return an `int` type. But if you simply want to perform an action (like logging or printing) without returning a value, you use `void` to declare it.

Exactly! It’s like running errands for someone without bringing back a receipt. You do the tasks and just let them know you completed it.