#15571·rubocop

Frame unconditional guard over unreachable code

Author: forthrinCreated Aug 16, 2026Updated Sep 18, 2026
Labelsfeature request

Before submitting

  • I have searched the existing issues and this hasn't been requested yet.

Cop name

Lint/UnreachableCode

Is your feature request related to a problem?

Every single line of code following an unconditional branch lights up like a Christmas tree.

"Take the names of everyone here and bring them in for questioning." — Frank Drebin

Describe the solution you'd like

Instead of flagging all the poor, innocent subsequent code lines, flag the kingpin:

Lint/UnconditionalGuard: Code following an always-true guard statement will never run

Code examples

ruby
def main
  return # if 2 + 2 == 4

  _meaning = 42
  puts 'Whatever you say'
  raise PizzaDough if Date.today.friday?
end

Describe alternatives you've considered

Comment out entire code blocks rather than using return statements to temporarily disengage code blocks. (Have actually resorted to return if 2 + 2 == 4 as a moronic workaround to avoid poking highway patrol.)

Additional context

No response