Missing return statement error

[Asglv]

public String itemType(int item) {
for (int i = 0; i < Item.capes.length; i++) {
if (item == Item.capes[i])
return "cape";
}
for (int i = 0; i < Item.hats.length; i++) {
if (item == Item.hats[i])
return "hat";
}
for (int i = 0; i < Item.boots.length; i++) {
if (item == Item.boots[i])
return "boots";
}
for (int i = 0; i < Item.gloves.length; i++) {
if (item == Item.gloves[i])
return "gloves";
}
for (int i = 0; i < Item.shields.length; i++) {
if (item == Item.shields[i])
return "shield";
}
for (int i = 0; i < Item.amulets.length; i++) {
if (item == Item.amulets[i])
return "amulet";
}
for (int i = 0; i < Item.arrows.length; i++) {
if (item == Item.arrows[i])
return "arrows";
}
for (int i = 0; i < Item.rings.length; i++) {
if (item == Item.rings[i])
return "ring";
}
for (int i = 0; i < Item.body.length; i++) {
if (item == Item.body[i])
return "body";
}
for (int i = 0; i < Item.legs.length; i++) {
if (item == Item.legs[i])
return "legs";
}
} ---- SAYS THIS IS MISSING THE RETURN STATEMENT.

[eRaaaa]

It could be that no of your if statement matches/is true, then you don`t return anything.
You have to add a return statement at the end of the method e.g. return null, or return a empty string, or you have to throw an exception. In both cases it would be good if the method is documented.

btw: Your method is very strange. What happens if a new item is added? Right you have to change this method too, that`s not good. And inefficient is it too because you have to iterate n times. Is there no other way?