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return(1)

return - stop the current inner function

RETURN(1) fish-shell RETURN(1)

return - stop the current inner function

return [N]

return halts a currently running function. The exit status is set to N if it is given. If return is invoked outside of a function or dot script it is equivalent to exit.

It is often added inside of a conditional block such as an if <> statement or a switch <> statement to conditionally stop the executing function and return to the caller; it can also be used to specify the exit status of a function.

If at the top level of a script, it exits with the given status, like exit <>. If at the top level in an interactive session, it will set status <#envvar-status>, but not exit the shell.

The -h or --help option displays help about using this command.

An implementation of the false command as a fish function:

function false

return 1 end


fish-shell developers

October 15, 2026 4.9

fish 4.9.3-r3 · os · ingested 2026-10-16