Bug in JLS specification for restriction on where a return statement is allowed.

[Alex Buckley]

Hi Neal,

Yes, javac is right. I imagine all other Java compilers behave the same. 
I have filed a specification bug which will be visible shortly at 
http://bugs.sun.com/bugdatabase/view_bug.do?bug_id=6906550.

Please note:

In cases where the JLS and javac differ, and it is clearly or likely the 
JLS at fault, compiler-dev is not the appropriate reporting vehicle. 
Please use the feedback form link on http://java.sun.com/docs/books/jls/ 
or file a defect on bugs.sun.com.

In cases where the JLS and javac differ, and it's not clear which is 
right, compiler-dev is an appropriate reporting vehicle.

Alex

Neal Gafter wrote:
> Alex-
> 
> JLS 14.17 says
> 
> A compile-time error occurs if a |return| statement appears within an 
> instance initializer or a static initializer (§8.7) 
> <http://java.sun.com/docs/books/jls/third_edition/html/classes.html#39245>.
> 
> However, javac allows a return statement within an instance or static 
> initializer if there is an intervening nested inner class with a method.
> 
> *static { // static initializer*
> *    class X {*
> *        void foo() {*
> *            return; // yet return allowed within it*
> *        }*
> *    }*
> *}*
> 
> I believe this is a bug in the specification.
> 
> Cheers,
> Neal
>