In C# terminology, how many values can a subroutine (a void method) effectively return?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Depends upon how many ref arguments it uses.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In some literature, a “subroutine” refers to a method that does not return a value via the return keyword (void). However, C# supports multiple output mechanisms beyond the single return value.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • A subroutine does not return a value with return.
  • C# allows ref and out parameters to pass data back to the caller.
  • params affects argument count, not return values.


Concept / Approach:
While a void method cannot return a value directly, it can modify variables passed by reference using ref or out. Therefore, the number of effective values a subroutine can “return” depends on how many such by-reference parameters it has.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Recognize that void prohibits returning a value explicitly.Identify that ref/out parameters allow writing results back to caller variables.Conclude that the count of values is tied to the count of by-reference parameters.


Verification / Alternative check:
Inspect method signatures with multiple ref/out parameters and observe caller-side changes after invocation.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • params: Only changes how many inputs can be passed; does not affect outputs.
  • Any number of values: Too broad without mechanism.
  • 0 or 1: Too restrictive given ref/out.


Common Pitfalls:
Equating “no return value” with “no way to pass results back.”



Final Answer:
Depends upon how many ref arguments it uses.

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