# avoid-null-returns

> Instead of returning null, consider: throwing an exception for unexpected missing data, returning... Use when enforcing code quality standards. Quality category skill.

- Author: OmniaffixDave
- Repository: OmniaffixDave/SessionGuardian
- Version: 20260205125233
- Stars: 0
- Forks: 1
- Last Updated: 2026-02-08
- Source: https://github.com/OmniaffixDave/SessionGuardian
- Web: https://mule.run/skillshub/@@OmniaffixDave/SessionGuardian~avoid-null-returns:20260205125233

---

---
name: avoid-null-returns
description: "Instead of returning null, consider: throwing an exception for unexpected missing data, returning... Use when enforcing code quality standards. Quality category skill."
metadata:
  category: Quality
  priority: medium
  is-built-in: true
  session-guardian-id: builtin_avoid_null_returns
---

# Avoid Null Returns

Instead of returning null, consider: throwing an exception for unexpected missing data, returning an empty collection for list operations, using the Null Object pattern, or using Optional/Maybe types. When null is truly valid, document it clearly and consider making it explicit in the type system (e.g., User | null in TypeScript).