How to Fix Error: cannot convert 'void' to 'uint8_t' in assignment

Diagnose the Error Message

• The error message "cannot convert 'void' to 'uint8\_t' in assignment" typically indicates that you're trying to assign a result from a function that returns `void` to a variable of type `uint8_t`. This might happen inadvertently if you're calling a function that performs operations or outputs without a return value and attempting to use its result in an assignment.
• Carefully examine the line of code generating the error. Look for a function call on that line and check its return type in the function's definition or documentation.

Review Function Signatures

• Identify any function calls assigned to a `uint8_t` variable. Verify the return type of these functions. The compiler error suggests that at least one of these functions might have a `void` return type.
• Modify the function return type to `uint8_t` if a return value is necessary, or adjust the code to not use its return value if no return is intended or required.

Modify Function Implementations

• If the function should be returning a `uint8_t` value, change the return statement to return an appropriate value, such as a fixed integer or a calculation result within the range of `uint8_t`.
• For instance, if the function currently ends with `void functionName()`, but it should provide a result, update it to:

  <pre><code>
  uint8\_t functionName() {
    // Function content
    return someValue; // Ensure someValue is within range 0-255
  }
  </code></pre>
  

Avoid Assigning Void Function Results

• If the function correctly should not return a value, do not attempt to assign its result to a variable. This is a logical error, as C++ does not permit assignment of `void` to other types.
• Replace assignments like `uint8_t value = functionName();` with a direct function call `functionName();` where the function is responsible for side-effects rather than returning results.

Refactor Code for Proper Logic

• Sometimes, a logical restructure of the code is necessary. Consider using a separate function that performs the needed processing and returns a `uint8_t` if the void function's operational result must be captured.
• For example:

  <pre><code>
  void processAndStore() {
    // Some operations storing results internally
  }
  
  uint8\_t getProcessedResult() {
    // Return the processed result value
    return resultValue;
  }
  
  // Call functions
  processAndStore();
  uint8\_t value = getProcessedResult();
  </code></pre>
  

Use Compiler Output for Guidance

• Compilers generally provide direct information pointing to the location of the error. Utilize this output to navigate directly to the problematic code section, making bedbugging more efficient.
• If additional errors are present after fixing the main problem, continue to adjust and compile iteratively, ensuring that all instances of similar errors are resolved.