speaking not about this particular "return" issue but change as such: change can be a) avoided or b) accommodated. let's think of abstract languages L and N. Any resemblance is coincidental and irrelevant. Suppose that: a significant codebase written in L is available N is a new language with few libraries a beginner programmer A.B. considers to dedicate their time and effort to either L or N A.B. prefers (for various reasons) N syntax. an experienced programmer C.D. dedicated their time to L language. C.D. is comfortable with L, wrote and use L code. C.D. can see some advantages language N gives over L. the number of programmers similar to C.D. (the L crowd) is fairly stable but who knows: C.D. may join the N crowd. number of A.B. and other undecided programmers varies. The more are A.B.'s, the larger is future camp of any language: L, N, ... let's think. This is not to argue pro/con but to put things in perspective. If you were in A.B.'s shoes, what would you do?