Java · Chapter 13 of 42
Java If...Else
The if statement executes a block of code only if a condition is true. else provides an alternative block, and else if lets you chain multiple conditions.
Java also has a ternary operator `condition ? valueIfTrue : valueIfFalse` for compact conditional expressions.
Syntax
if (condition) {
} else if (condition2) {
} else {
}if, else if, else
Conditions are evaluated top to bottom; the first true branch executes and the rest are skipped.
Ternary operator
The ternary operator condenses a simple if/else into a single expression, often used for quick assignments.
Example 1 (java)
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int age = 20;
if (age >= 18) {
System.out.println("Adult");
} else {
System.out.println("Minor");
}
String status = (age >= 18) ? "Adult" : "Minor";
System.out.println(status);
}
}Output
Adult
AdultAn if/else prints Adult since age is 20, then the ternary operator produces the same result.
Key points
- if executes code only when a condition is true.
- else if chains additional conditions.
- else runs when no prior condition matched.
- The ternary operator is a compact if/else expression.
💡 Note: Braces are optional for single-statement blocks but recommended for clarity.