GuidesJava basics
03 - Control Flow If Statements
Learn how to control the flow of your Java programs using if statements.
Programs need to make decisions. If statements let your code choose different paths based on conditions.
Basic If Statement
The simplest form checks one condition;
int health = 20;
if (health > 10) {
System.out.println("You are healthy!");
}Structure
if (condition) {
// code to execute if condition is true
}If-Else Statements
Choose between two paths:
int health = 5;
if (health > 10) {
System.out.println("You are healthy!");
} else {
System.out.println("You need healing!");
}If-Else Else-If Chain
Check multiple conditions in sequence:
int health = 7;
if (health > 15) {
System.out.println("You are in great shape!");
} else if (health > 5) {
System.out.println("You are okay.");
} else {
System.out.println("You need healing!");
}Nested If Statements
You can place if statements inside other if statements:
int health = 12;
if (health > 10) {
if (health > 15) {
System.out.println("You are in great shape!");
} else {
System.out.println("You are healthy!");
}
} else {
System.out.println("You need healing!");
}Compound Conditions
You can combine multiple conditions using logical operators:
// AND - both must be true
int health = 12;
boolean hasPotion = true;
if (health > 10 && hasPotion) {
System.out.println("You are healthy and have a potion!");
} else if (health > 10) {
System.out.println("You are healthy but need a potion!");
} else {
System.out.println("You need healing!");
}
// OR - at least one must be true
int health = 8;
boolean hasPotion = false;
if (health > 10 || hasPotion) {
System.out.println("You are either healthy or have a potion!");
} else {
System.out.println("You need healing and a potion!");
}
// NOT - reverses the condition
int health = 8;
if (!(health > 10)) {
System.out.println("You need healing!");
} else {
System.out.println("You are healthy!");
}Ternary Operator
A compact way to assign values:
int health = 12;
String status = (health > 10) ? "Healthy" : "Needs Healing";Syntax
variable = (condition) ? valueIfTrue : valueIfFalse;