Java Else
The else Statement
The else statement lets you run a block of code
when the condition in the if statement is false.
Syntax
if (condition) {
// block of code to be executed if the condition is true
} else {
// block of code to be executed if the condition is false
}
Think of it like real life: If it rains, bring an umbrella. Otherwise (else), go outside without one:
Example
boolean isRaining = false;
if (isRaining) {
System.out.println("Bring an umbrella!");
} else {
System.out.println("No rain today, no need for an umbrella!");
}Since isRaining is false, the condition inside the if statement is not met.
That means the if block is skipped, and the else block runs instead, printing "No rain today, no need for an umbrella!".
Another Example
This example says good day or good evening depending on the time:
Example
int time = 20;
if (time < 18) {
System.out.println("Good day.");
} else {
System.out.println("Good evening.");
}
// Outputs "Good evening."
Example explained
In the example above, time (20) is greater than 18, so the condition is false.
Because of this, we move on to the else condition and print to the screen "Good
evening". If the time was less than 18, the program would print "Good day".
Notes
elsedoes not have a condition - it runs when theifcondition isfalse.- Do not put a semicolon right after
if (condition). That would end the statement early and makeelsebehave unexpectedly.