Master JavaScript Conditional Statements (if, else, switch) with Examples

Javascript

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JavaScript Conditional Statements: if, else, and switch Explained

When you start learning JavaScript, one of the most important concepts you must understand is how to make decisions in your code. Conditional statements allow your program to execute different blocks of code depending on specific conditions.

In this tutorial, we’ll explore JavaScript conditional statements — including if, else if, else, and switch — with easy examples and practical explanations. Let’s make your logic smarter 💪

What are Conditional Statements in JavaScript?

Conditional statements help your code make decisions. For example, “if the user is logged in, show the dashboard, otherwise show the login page.”

They allow you to control the flow of execution based on true or false conditions.

1️⃣ The if Statement

The if statement is used to check a condition. If it’s true, the code inside the block runs.

let age = 20;

if (age >= 18) {
  console.log("You are eligible to vote!");
}

✅ Output: You are eligible to vote!

2️⃣ if...else Statement

The else block runs only if the if condition is false.

let age = 16;

if (age >= 18) {
  console.log("You are eligible to vote!");
} else {
  console.log("You are not eligible yet.");
}

✅ Output: You are not eligible yet.

3️⃣ if...else if...else Ladder

When you have multiple conditions, use else if to check each one step by step.

let marks = 85;

if (marks >= 90) {
  console.log("Grade A+");
} else if (marks >= 75) {
  console.log("Grade A");
} else if (marks >= 50) {
  console.log("Grade B");
} else {
  console.log("Fail");
}

✅ Output: Grade A

4️⃣ The switch Statement

The switch statement is a cleaner alternative to multiple if-else conditions. It checks a value against multiple cases.

let day = "Tuesday";

switch(day) {
  case "Monday":
    console.log("Start of the week!");
    break;
  case "Tuesday":
    console.log("Keep going strong!");
    break;
  case "Friday":
    console.log("Weekend is near!");
    break;
  default:
    console.log("Enjoy your day!");
}

✅ Output: Keep going strong!

Best Practices for Conditional Statements

Use === instead of == to avoid type conversion issues.
Keep conditions simple and readable.
Use switch when you have many options for a single variable.
Always include a default case in your switch statements.

Common Real-World Examples

// Example 1: Login check
let isLoggedIn = false;
if (!isLoggedIn) {
  console.log("Please log in to continue.");
}

// Example 2: Weather condition
let temperature = 32;
if (temperature > 30) {
  console.log("It's a hot day!");
} else {
  console.log("The weather is pleasant.");
}

💡 Quick Summary

if → checks a single condition
else if → checks multiple conditions
switch → handles many specific cases

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