Functions

Function Structure

Example

• public -> visibility declaration

• view -> Indicates function behavior

• returns -> type of variable being returned

 // updates message variable. cannot return.
    function setMessage(string newMessage) public {
        message = newMessage;
    }
    
 // synthax will clear. looks correct. but wont work.
    function setMessage(string newMessage) public returns (string){
        message = newMessage;
        return message;
    }    

You cannot create a function with the same name as a storage variable. Will conflict with getter function.

There are 2 types of functions that you can create in Solidity:

1. Functions that create transaction on block chain

2. Functions that do not create transaction on block chain (view and pure)

For more details see: Running Functions page