else and else if

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.

Exercise 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.

Show example solution

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    int score = 75;
    if (score >= 50) {
        std::cout << "Pass" << std::endl;
    } else {
        std::cout << "Fail" << std::endl;
    }
    return 0;
}

Test yourself

Write the else keyword

if (age >= 18) {
    std::cout << "Drive";
} ____ {
    std::cout << "Wait";
}

Show answer

if (age >= 18) {
    std::cout << "Drive";
} else {
    std::cout << "Wait";
}

Match each construct to its job

if

Checks the first condition
else if

Adds an alternative condition
else

Runs when none match
switch

Multi-way constant pick
Which construct runs when all if and else if conditions are false?
```
// condition chain
```
- if
- else
- switch
- else if
Show answer

else — else activates when no condition is true.

Next lesson: The switch statement

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