else and else if
- C++ course
- Beginner
- Lesson 37/116
- 4 min
Learn else and else if chains for alternative cases.
The else statement
To run a different block when an if condition is false you use the else statement. After the closing brace of the if block you write else and open a second block.
For example: if (age >= 18) { std::cout << "Drive"; } else { std::cout << "Wait"; }. When age is below 18 the else block runs and "Wait" is printed. else takes no condition of its own; it activates only when the if was false.
The else if chain
To separate more than two cases you use an else if chain. Each else if carries a new condition; the conditions are evaluated top to bottom and the first true condition's block runs.
For example: if (score >= 90) { ... } else if (score >= 80) { ... } else { ... }. This is ideal for cases divided into ranges such as letter grades. If no condition is true, the final else runs.
Practice Pass check
The score variable is set to 75. Use the condition if (score >= 50) to check the pass status; print "Pass" when true and "Fail" when false. Add an else block too.
Starter code
#include <iostream>
int main() {
int score = 75;
// Print the result with if and else
return 0;
}Sample solution
#include <iostream>
int main() {
int score = 75;
if (score >= 50) {
std::cout << "Pass" << std::endl;
} else {
std::cout << "Fail" << std::endl;
}
return 0;
}Expected output
Pass
Questions and answers
Review the lesson questions together with their answers. To test yourself, solve the lesson interactively.
1 Write the else keyword
if (age >= 18) {
std::cout << "Drive";
} ____ {
std::cout << "Wait";
}if (age >= 18) {
std::cout << "Drive";
} else {
std::cout << "Wait";
}Explanation: else runs when the if is false.
2 Match each construct to its job
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
if |
Checks the first condition |
else if |
Adds an alternative condition |
else |
Runs when none match |
switch |
Multi-way constant pick |
3 Which construct runs when all if and else if conditions are false?
// condition chain- if
- else Correct answer
- switch
- else if
Explanation: else activates when no condition is true.