Java Switch Statement

Java switch statement

Created By: chatGPT

Switch statements in Java provide a way to execute different parts of code based on the value of a variable or expression. It serves as a substitute for lengthy if-else-if chains and improves code clarity. Here’s how the switch statement works:

String day = "Monday";

switch (day) {
    case "Monday":
        System.out.println("Start of the week.");
        break;
    case "Tuesday":
        System.out.println("Second day of the week.");
        break;
    case "Wednesday":
        System.out.println("Midweek day.");
        break;
    case "Thursday":
        System.out.println("Almost Friday.");
        break;
    case "Friday":
        System.out.println("End of the week.");
        break;
    case "Saturday":
    case "Sunday":
        System.out.println("Weekend!");
        break;
    default:
        System.out.println("Not a valid day.");
}

Key points to remember when using the switch statement: It can handle variables of types like int, char, String, and enum. Each case represents a block of code that is executed when the value matches the case label. The break statement is essential to prevent the execution from falling through to subsequent cases.

int number = 2;

switch (number) {
    case 1:
        System.out.println("One");
        break;
    case 2:
        System.out.println("Two");
        break;
    case 3:
        System.out.println("Three");
        break;
    default:
        System.out.println("Not between 1 and 3");
}

If you omit the break statement, the program continues executing the next case(s) until it reaches a break or the end of the switch block. This is known as 'fall-through'. While it can be useful, it may lead to unexpected results if not handled correctly.

int num = 3;

switch (num) {
    case 1:
        System.out.println("One");
    case 2:
        System.out.println("Two");
    case 3:
        System.out.println("Three");
        break;
    default:
        System.out.println("No match");
}

Using multiple cases for the same block of code is possible by stacking them. This allows you to consolidate your logic where multiple cases require identical outcomes.

char grade = 'B';

switch (grade) {
    case 'A':
    case 'B':
        System.out.println("Excellent");
        break;
    case 'C':
        System.out.println("Well done");
        break;
    case 'D':
        System.out.println("You passed");
        break;
    case 'F':
        System.out.println("Better try again");
        break;
    default:
        System.out.println("Invalid grade");
}