I tend to prefer the multiple returns. Nothing like modifying someone else's 1500 line foreach loop filled with conditionals nested four deep slinging hashes, or HoHoAoHoHoHoHoAoH's 9 levels deep to make you yearn for an exit or two. :-)

from Refactoring: Improving The Design Of Existing Code by Martin Fowler.

Using "Replace Nested Conditional With Guard Clauses" refactoring method.

Original Code

double getPayAmount()
{
double result;
if(m_isDead) result = deadAmount();
else
{
if(m_isSeparated) result = separateAmount();
else
{
if(m_isRetired) result = retireAmount();
else result = normalPayAmount();
};
}
return result;
}
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Refactored Code

double getPayAmount()
{
if(m_isDead) return deadAmount();
if(m_isSeparated) return separatedAmount();
if(m_isRetired) return retiredAmount();
return normalPayAmount();
}
[download]