else and else if

Learn alternatives with else and else if.

else and else if

When the if condition is false, the else block runs. For multiple conditions use an else if chain.

int score = 40;
if (score >= 50) {
    System.out.println("Pass");
} else {
    System.out.println("Fail");
}

With else if, conditions are tested in order; the first true block runs. Java has no elif keyword; it always uses else if as two words.

The else if chain

For three or more branches use an else if chain. Conditions are tested top to bottom; the first true one runs:

int score = 75;
if (score >= 90) {
    System.out.println("Excellent");
} else if (score >= 80) {
    System.out.println("Good");
} else if (score >= 50) {
    System.out.println("Pass");
} else {
    System.out.println("Fail");
}

Branches after the first true one are skipped. else goes last and is optional.

Exercise Compute a grade

Write a Main class with a main method. Assign 85 to int score. With if (score >= 90) print "Excellent", else if (score >= 80) print "Good", else print "Average". Use System.out.println in each block.

Show example solution

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int score = 85;
        if (score >= 90) {
            System.out.println("Excellent");
        } else if (score >= 80) {
            System.out.println("Good");
        } else {
            System.out.println("Average");
        }
    }
}

Test yourself

Complete the else block

int score = 40;
if (score >= 50) {
    System.out.println("Pass");
} ____ {
    System.out.println("Fail");
}

Show answer

int score = 40;
if (score >= 50) {
    System.out.println("Pass");
} else {
    System.out.println("Fail");
}

int x = 0; if (x > 10) { A } else if (x > 3) { B } else { C } — which is printed?
- A
- B
- None
- C
Show answer

C — x=0 matches no condition; else (C) runs.
Match the else concepts

if

First condition
else if

Second condition
else

Fallback
{ }

Block

Next lesson: Nested if

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