Make a function return silently

Question

I would like to write an R function that returns silently, like what I get from the barplot function for example.

I mean that I can store an output in a variable if I do output = myfunction(), but this output does not get printed if I just use myfunction().

You would have found `invisible` had you looked at the _See Also_ section of `?return`. The _See Also_ section is a great resource, especially when you're not sure of the correct keyword. — Joshua Ulrich, Jun 09 '14 at 14:36
or you could have looked at the barplot source code, `barplot.default` — rawr, Jun 09 '14 at 14:40
@JoshuaUlrich I know that, but I checked and did not see it. And I know why, it's hidden behind `debug` — Math, Jun 09 '14 at 14:42
[Related post](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/2723034/howto-suppress-one-commands-output-in-r/2724317#2724317). — jbaums, Jun 09 '14 at 14:48

score 26 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 09 '14 at 14:36

26

myFunc <- function(x){
  invisible(x*2)
}

> myFunc(4)
> y <-myFunc(4)
> y
[1] 8
>

answered Jun 09 '14 at 14:36

jdharrison

Mostly likely a duplicate – jdharrison Jun 09 '14 at 14:36
3

I would say it is usefull to keep this question for the keywork `silent` (instead of invisible). If you do not agree, I can delete it. – Math Jun 09 '14 at 14:53
It shouldn't be deleted the question is can a duplicate be found that has already addressed the question. – jdharrison Jun 09 '14 at 14:55
4

I found it by searching 'silent', not 'invisible' – David F May 05 '18 at 16:32

1 Answers1