The if statement

Learn how to check a condition with if and the code block.

The if statement

An if statement runs a code block when a condition is true. The condition goes in parentheses; when it is true the code between the curly braces runs, when false it is skipped.

For example, a cafe can apply a discount when the daily order count is greater than 10: if ($cups > 10) { echo 'discount'; }. This lets the program make a decision on its own.

Code block and condition

In an if statement the condition is always a boolean expression: a comparison that returns true or false. The part between the curly braces { } is called the code block.

The block can hold several statements; each ends with a semicolon. When the condition is false the whole block is skipped and the program continues with the next statement.

Exercise Write a temperature warning

The $temperature variable is already declared. Write an if with the condition $temperature > 30; when true, print 'hot' with echo. Do not use else.

Show example solution

For the temperature, write if ($temperature > 30) { echo 'hot'; }.
Example solution:
<?php
$temperature = 32;
// Temperature check
if ($temperature > 30) {
  echo 'hot';
}

Test yourself

What is the output of $cups = 12; if ($cups > 10) { echo 'discount'; }?
```
$cups = 12;
if ($cups > 10) {
  echo 'discount';
}
```
- discount
- 12
- true
- 1
Show answer

discount — Correct. 12 is greater than 10, so the block runs and prints 'discount'.

Write the if keyword

$cups = 12;
____ ($cups > 10) {
  echo 'discount';
}

Show answer

$cups = 12;
if ($cups > 10) {
  echo 'discount';
}

Match the if parts

if

Condition keyword
( )

Condition parens
{ }

Code block
true / false

Boolean value

Next lesson: else and elseif

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