When is a "switch" statement better than multiple "if" statements?

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Vetrivel Samidurai

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switch statement is generally best to use when you have more than two conditional expressions based on a single variable of numeric type. For instance, rather than the code if (x == 1) printf(“x is equal to one.\n”); else if (x == 2) printf(“x is equal to two.\n”); else if (x ==...
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switch statement is generally best to use when you have more than two conditional expressions based on a single variable of numeric type. For instance, rather than the code if (x == 1) printf(“x is equal to one.\n”); else if (x == 2) printf(“x is equal to two.\n”); else if (x == 3) printf(“x is equal to three.\n”); else printf(“x is not equal to one, two, or three.\n”); the following code is easier to read and maintain: switch (x) { case 1: printf(“x is equal to one.\n”); break; case 2: printf(“x is equal to two.\n”); break; case 3: printf(“x is equal to three.\n”); break; default: printf(“x is not equal to one, two, or three.\n”); break; } Notice that for this method to work, the conditional expression must be based on a variable of numeric type in order to use the switch statement. Also, the conditional expression must be based on a single variable. For instance, even though the following if statement contains more than two conditions, it is not a candidate for using a switch statement because it is based on string comparisons and not numeric comparisons: char* name = “Lupto”; if (!stricmp(name, “Isaac”)) printf(“Your name means ‘Laughter’.\n”); else if (!stricmp(name, “Amy”)) printf(“Your name means ‘Beloved’.\n “); else if (!stricmp(name, “Lloyd”)) printf(“Your name means ‘Mysterious’.\n “); else printf(“I haven’t a clue as to what your name means.\n”) read less
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In case of we have to check one variable and compare it's value with list of values of same then and then we can use switch case. for example create simple calculator using c programming. we requires one variable for operation like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. we can tell the...
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In case of we have to check one variable and compare it's value with list of values of same then and then we can use switch case. for example create simple calculator using c programming. we requires one variable for operation like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. we can tell the user to input the value 1 for +, 2 for - , 3 for * and 4 for /. and then we can compare that variable's value to the list of for cases, case 1, case 2, case 3 , case 4 and finally default case if none of other case is matched. We create this program using if...else if statement or switch case. If program like which day is today. then also we can use switch case. 1 for Monday ....7 for Sunday enter your choise compare by using switch(var) to different cases from case 1 to 7 and default. Break statement is always needed while using switch case. if there is no break statement in cases then all cases will be executed. read less
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If you want to test a variable against the single number (i.e. n==1,n==2, n==3 , etc.) rather than a range of numbers (i.e. (n>=1 && n<=10)), then switch statement is a better option.
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Thank You for your question... Switch statement is better than multiple if statements when we are having multiple options for the same variable. Thanks, Team DishaaPro www.dishaapro.com
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Programming Trainer

Most of the time switch is better than if statement in c program as it enhances the time complexity of the program.
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Technology expert

In swich-case ,if the conditions are same we can write one print statement.where as in multiple if though the conditions are same ,we have to write different print for each conditions.
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Unique Coder

A switch statement is generally best to use when you have more than two conditional expressions based on a single variable of numeric type.
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Teacher

If there are so many options to choose.
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Tutor

Both Switch and if performs almost the same function, where both comes under control statements. switch is better if the number of cases is more and distinct.
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J2ee Trainer

Switch statement is most useful when we have multiple conditions on a same variable.But when there are multiple conditions then if else is a better option.
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