How to Use the JavaScript if-else Statement
The JavaScript if-else statement is an essential aspect of programming, used to control the flow of execution of code. It allows you to execute different codes based on conditions set in the program.
In simple terms, the if-else statement evaluates a specific condition and then performs one task if the condition is true and another task if the condition is false. It is a basic decision-making statement that specifies a set of instructions to be performed if the condition is true and another set of instructions to be executed if the condition is false.
Here are some steps on how to use the JavaScript if-else statement:
1. Begin by writing the keyword “if” followed by a parentheses. The parentheses must contain an expression to be evaluated.
2. The expression should be evaluated and must return a Boolean value (either `true` or `false`). This is the condition that determines what code block is going to be executed.
3. After the condition inside the parentheses, add a curly bracket `{ }` to surround the code block that will be executed if the condition is `true`.
4. Inside the curly brackets, add the code that you want to execute if the condition is true.
5. After the code block of the `if` statement ends, you can write an optional `else` keyword. The `else` keyword is used to specify the code that will be executed if the condition is `false`.
6. After the `else` keyword, add another set of curly brackets `{ }`, and inside it, add the code that you want to execute if the condition is `false`.
Let’s take an example:
“`javascript
let num = 7;
if(num % 2 == 0) {
console.log(“The number”, num, “is even.”);
} else {
console.log(“The number”, num, “is odd.”);
}
“`
In the example above, we have defined a variable called `num` and assigned it a value of 7. We start the `if` statement by checking whether `num` is even or odd. If the condition inside the parentheses (`num % 2 == 0`) returns `true`, the code block inside the first curly brackets will be executed. In this case, it will output `The number 7 is odd.` to the console.
If the condition is `false`, the code block inside the second curly brackets will be executed. In this case, it will output `The number 7 is even.` to the console.
In conclusion, the if-else statement is a useful tool for controlling the flow of your programs. By using if-else statements, you can create logic that makes decisions based on different possible outcomes. With this knowledge and understanding of if-else statements, you’ll be able to write more dynamic and robust code.