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");
Java if-else Condition – Interview Questions
Q 1: What is if-else statement in Java?
Ans: It executes code based on a condition.
Q 2: When is else block executed?
Ans: When the if condition is false.
Q 3: Can if exist without else?
Ans: Yes, else is optional.
Q 4: What is nested if-else?
Ans: An if-else inside another if-else.
Q 5: Can conditions be combined in if?
Ans: Yes, using logical operators.
Java If Else Condition – Objective Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Which of the following is the correct syntax for an if statement in Java?
Q2. What will be the output of the following code?
int x = 10;
if (x > 5)
System.out.println('Greater');
else
System.out.println('Smaller');
Q3. Which of the following can replace condition in an if statement?
Q4. What will the following code print?
int a = 5, b = 10;
if (a > b)
System.out.println('A is greater');
else if (a == b)
System.out.println('Equal');
else
System.out.println('B is greater');
Q5. What will be the output of this code?
int num = 0;
if (num)
System.out.println('Positive');
else
System.out.println('Zero or Negative');