The if-else condition in Java is used to perform decision-making. It allows the program to execute one block of code if a condition is true and another block of code if the condition is false.
Syntax
if (condition) {
// Code to execute if condition is true
} else {
// Code to execute if condition is false
}
Working Process:
- The if statement evaluates a condition (a boolean expression).
- If the condition evaluates to true, the code inside the if block is executed.
- If the condition evaluates to false, the code inside the else block is executed.
Example:
public class Example1 {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int number = 12;
if (number % 2 == 0) {
System.out.println("The number is even.");
} else {
System.out.println("The number is odd.");
}
}
}
Output: The number is even.
Java Nested if-else
You can place one if-else block inside another for multiple conditions.
Syntax:
if (condition1) {
// Code if condition1 is true
} else {
if (condition2) {
// Code if condition2 is true
} else {
// Code if both conditions are false
}
}
Example:
public class Example2 {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int marks = 95;
if (marks >= 90) {
System.out.println("Grade: A");
} else {
if (marks >= 75) {
System.out.println("Grade: B");
} else {
System.out.println("Grade: C");
}
}
}
}
Output: Grade: A
Java if-else if Ladder Statement
When there are multiple conditions to check, you can use the if-else if ladder.
Syntax:
if (condition1) {
// Code if condition1 is true
} else if (condition2) {
// Code if condition2 is true
} else {
// Code if none of the above conditions are true
}
Example:
public class Example3 {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int temperature = 25;
if (temperature > 40) {
System.out.println("It's very hot.");
} else if (temperature > 30) {
System.out.println("It's warm.");
} else if (temperature > 20) {
System.out.println("It's pleasant.");
} else {
System.out.println("It's cold.");
}
}
}
Output: It’s pleasant.
Important Points
1. Conditions must return a boolean value. Non-boolean expressions (like integers) cannot be used directly in if conditions.
if (1) { // This is NOT allowed in Java
System.out.println("This will give a compilation error.");
}
2. The else block is optional. You can use if without else if no alternate action is required.
if (age >= 18) {
System.out.println("You are eligible to vote.");
}
3. Braces {} are optional for a single statement. However, it is a good practice to include them for better readability.
if (number > 0)
System.out.println("Positive number");
else
System.out.println("Negative number");