Functions can return values using two different syntaxes. The modern, and correct, way to do it is to use a Return statement. The VB6 way, i.e. old way, is to assign a return value to the function’s name .

The VB6 syntax is obsolete as it was introduced to simplify migration from VB6 projects. The compiler will create a local variable which is implicitly returned when execution exits the function’s scope.

Return statement should be used instead as they are easier to read and understand.

Noncompliant Code Example

Public Function FunctionName() As Integer
    FunctionName = 42 ' Noncompliant
End Function

Public Function FunctionNameFromVariable() As Integer
    Dim Value As Integer = 42
    FunctionNameFromVariable = Value ' Noncompliant
End Function

Compliant Solution

Public Function FunctionName() As Integer
    Return 42
End Function

Public Function FunctionNameFromVariable() As Integer
    Dim Value As Integer = 42
    Return Value
End Function

See

• .Net documentation - Returning from a Function