title: should a return statement be the last instruction within a code block?
body: <p>I really need help understanding what does an unreachable statement actually means in Java. I have the following below and when I try to compile I get an unreachable statement error. I have looked at some of the similar questions about unreachable statements here on Stackoverflow, but none answer my question. I want to know based on how the return statements work why this version does not compile.</p>
  
  <pre><code>public int refundBalance()
  {
      return balance;
      balance = 0;
  }
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I am asking this because similar questions in here don't give me an answer. I am guessing that return should be the last statement within a block of code, but I am not knowledgeable enough in Java to be certain about my conclusion. So, any clarification would be greatly appreciated.</p>