[kazinator]

So it is more about multiple returns, versus setting some local return variable and returning in one place.

However, setting that return variable can be recognized as a simulated return. If we know that after "ret = 42", there are no other state changes; that the whole if/else mess will drop out to the end where there is a "return ret", then we can just read it as "return 42".

[fenomas]

Sure, in the narrow case where the function only calculates a single return value and has no side effects.

[kazinator]

Or where it produces an effect (or effect group) in every case just before returning, without multiple effects interspersed among multiple condition tests.

[fenomas]

That's isomorphic to what I said, so... also yes :D