assignments are not expressions, and only expressions are allowed in this context --- how to resolve this error - kotlin

Question

I am trying to find the find the result of num1 raised to the power num2:
This is my code ->
fun power(num1 : Int, num2: Int): Int {
var result = 1
while (num2 != 0) {
return result *= num1
num2--
}
}
But the above code is producing the following error -->
Calculator.kt:30:16: error: assignments are not expressions, and only expressions are allowed in this context
return result *= num1
^
Calculator.kt:33:5: error: a 'return' expression required in a function with a block body ('{...}')
}
^
I have read a number of articles but not able to understand. Any help will be highly appreciated.
Thank you

Answer 1

An expression is something that evaluates to a value. An assignment is something that assigns a value to a variable or property.
x *= y is an assignment that is shorthand for x = x * y.
You cannot return an assignment, because it does not evaluate to a value. An assignment contains an expression on the right side of the equals sign, but as a whole does not represent an expression.
There are some other syntax problems you have. You can't modify a function paramter's value (num2-- isn't allowed).
The logic also doesn't make sense. return returns an expression immediately. To fix your code, you need to create a local variable from num2, and move the return statement to the end.
fun power(num1 : Int, num2: Int): Int {
var result = 1
var count = num2
while (count != 0) {
result *= num1
count--
}
return result
}
FYI, there's a function called repeat that is simpler than using a while loop with a counter. It runs the code inside the brackets by the number of times you give.
fun power(num1 : Int, num2: Int): Int {
var result = 1
repeat(num2) {
result *= num1
}
return result
}

Answer 2

You function contains multiple errors, I suggest you to study Kotlin, here a reference. Kotlin website has some more material.
Back to your problem, I have modified your function:
fun power(num1 : Int, num2: Int): Int {
var result = 1
var num2_local = num2
while (num2_local != 0) {
result *= num1
num2_local--
}
return result
}
Problems with your version:
you return from the function immediately
basic types args passed to kotlin functions are passed by const copy, this means that you cannot modify them (e.g num2--)
If you keep a local modifiable reference (var keyword) withing your function, then you achieve your goal