If-Else and Switch in C – Differences, Syntax, and Examples

The main difference between If-Else and Switch in C is how they handle decision-making. The If-Else statement checks conditions that return true or false, allowing flexible comparisons using logical or relational operators. In contrast, the Switch statement checks a single expression against fixed constant values. It works well when dealing with multiple specific cases, making the code easier to manage and read.

If you want to get hands-on experience, explore Online Software Engineering Courses from top universities!

In this article, we will explore what If-Else and Switch in C are, how they work, and when to use them. You will learn their syntax, see simple examples with outputs, and understand each part of the code. A detailed table with the difference between If-Else and Switch in C and a real-world example will highlight their differences. 

Quick Tabular Comparison Between If-Else and Switch in C

The table below highlights the key differences between If-Else and Switch in C. It gives a quick overview based on condition types, flexibility, readability, and more.

Ready to build on your C programming foundation and launch a career in today's most in-demand tech fields? upGrad curated these expert-led programs to help you master the advanced skills top companies are looking for. 

• Professional Certificate Program in Cloud Computing and DevOps

• AI-Powered Full Stack Development Course by IIITB

• Master of Design in User Experience

What is If-Else in C?

In C programming, the If-Else statement is a conditional control structure. It helps the program make decisions based on whether a condition is true or false. If the condition is true, one block of code runs. If the condition is false, another block runs instead.

This allows programs to perform logical checks and control the flow of execution. If-Else in C is useful when the condition involves logical, relational, or mathematical expressions. You can also use nested If-Else statements to check multiple conditions in sequence.

To gain in-depth knowledge, explore the Mastering the if-else Statement in C : A Deep Dive for Intermediate Developers article!

Syntax of If-Else in C

The If-Else statement in C follows a simple and structured format. It is used to check conditions and decide which block of code should run. The syntax is easy to understand and forms the base of many decision-making programs.

Here’s the syntax:

if (condition) {
    // Code to run if the condition is true
} else {
    // Code to run if the condition is false
}

Components of the Syntax:

Let’s break down the key parts of the If-Else syntax in C:

1. if keyword
2. • It begins the condition check.
   • The program checks the expression inside the parentheses right after if.
2. condition
3. • This is a logical or relational expression.
   • If it evaluates to true (non-zero), the if block runs.
3. if block
4. • This block runs only if the condition is true.
   • It is enclosed in curly braces {}.
4. else keyword
5. • It is optional but often used.
   • It defines what should happen if the if condition is false.
5. else block
6. • This block runs only when the condition is false.
   • Like the if block, it also uses curly braces.

Example of If-Else in C

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int number;

    // Asking the user to input a number
    printf("Enter a number: ");
    scanf("%d", &number);

    // Using if-else to check whether the number is even or odd
    if (number % 2 == 0) {
        // Executes if the number is divisible by 2
        printf("The number is even.\n");
    } else {
        // Executes if the number is not divisible by 2
        printf("The number is odd.\n");
    }

    return 0;
}

Output:

Enter a number: 7

The number is odd.

Explanation:

• The program asks the user to input a number.
• The if condition checks if the number is divisible by 2.
• If the result is true, it prints "The number is even."
• If the result is false, the else block prints "The number is odd."

This shows how If-Else in C lets us run code based on conditions.

When to Use If-Else?

Use the If-Else statement in C when:

• You need to check logical or relational conditions (e.g., a > b, x == y, etc.).
• The program must choose between two or more paths based on expressions.
• You want to perform range-based comparisons (like checking if a number lies between two values).
• The condition involves boolean logic (AND, OR, NOT).
• You are working with dynamic values (variables, user inputs, calculations).
• You need to nest multiple decisions using else if blocks.
• The conditions are not fixed constants, unlike what the switch statement requires.
• Your logic needs more than equality checks for decision-making.

What is Switch in C?

The Switch statement in C is a multi-way branching control structure. It allows the program to select one block of code from multiple options. It checks a variable or expression against a list of constant values. When a match is found, the corresponding block is executed.

Switch in C is ideal when you have to handle many fixed conditions, like menu selections or key-based operations. It improves readability and keeps the code clean compared to using many if-else blocks.

To gain in-depth knowledge, explore the Switch Case in C: In-Depth Code Explanation article!

Syntax of Switch in C

The Switch statement in C allows for easy multi-way branching. It compares a variable or expression to different constant values and runs the corresponding block of code. Here's the syntax and breakdown of its components.

Here’s the syntax:

switch (expression) {
    case constant1:
        // Code to execute if expression matches constant1
        break;
    case constant2:
        // Code to execute if expression matches constant2
        break;
    // More cases as needed
    default:
        // Code to execute if no case matches
}

Components of the Syntax:

Let’s explore the important components of the Switch statement in C:

1. switch keyword
2. • The switch keyword begins the decision structure. It tests an expression against a set of possible values (the cases).
2. expression
3. • This is the value or variable that the program compares against each case.
   • The expression is evaluated once, and the result is matched with a constant value.
3. case constant
4. • Each case defines a specific constant value to compare with the expression.
   • If the value matches, the corresponding block of code runs.
4. break statement
5. • The break statement exits the switch block after a match is found.
   • Without break, the program will continue executing the subsequent cases (called “fall-through”).
5. default block
6. • The default block runs when no case matches the expression.
   • It’s optional, but it’s helpful for handling unexpected values.

Must Explore: Switch Case in C++: Syntax, Usage, and Best Practices

Example of Switch in C

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int day = 3;

    // Switch statement to print the day of the week
    switch (day) {
        case 1:
            printf("Monday\n");
            break; // Exits switch after matching case
        case 2:
            printf("Tuesday\n");
            break;
        case 3:
            printf("Wednesday\n");
            break;
        case 4:
            printf("Thursday\n");
            break;
        case 5:
            printf("Friday\n");
            break;
        case 6:
            printf("Saturday\n");
            break;
        case 7:
            printf("Sunday\n");
            break;
        default:
            // Runs if no case matches
            printf("Invalid day\n");
    }

    return 0;
}

Output:

Wednesday

Explanation:

• The variable day is set to 3.
• The switch checks the value of day against each case.
• It finds that day == 3, so it executes the code in case 3.
• "Wednesday" is printed to the screen.
• The break statement exits the switch block after a match.
• If there’s no match, the default block runs instead.

When to Use Switch?

Use the Switch statement in C when:

• You have a fixed set of known values to compare against a single expression.
• The conditions involve multiple constant values (e.g., menu options, key presses).
• You want cleaner code instead of multiple if-else statements.
• You need to handle discrete values (like days of the week, grades, etc.).
• The expression is a simple variable or constant (e.g., integer, character).
• You want to use fall-through behavior (executing multiple cases under certain conditions).
• The conditions are not based on ranges (like a > b). If ranges are needed, prefer if-else.

Key Differences Between If-Else and Switch in C

Here are the key differences between if-else and switch in C:

• If-Else is flexible and can evaluate complex conditions (like a > b or x == y). In contrast, Switch works best with constant values (like integers or characters).
• If-Else can handle range-based checks (e.g., x > 10 && x < 20). On the other hand, Switch only compares a single expression with fixed values and cannot handle ranges.
• Switch supports fall-through, allowing multiple cases to share the same code block. But If-Else does not have fall-through and evaluates conditions sequentially.
• If-Else can become cluttered and harder to manage with many conditions. Meanwhile, Switch improves readability when handling many conditions based on the same expression.
• Switch tends to be more efficient when comparing a single value to many options. In contrast, If-Else may be slower when checking multiple conditions.
• Both Switch and If-Else provide a way to handle cases when no condition matches. However, Switch explicitly uses the default keyword, whereas If-Else simply continues to the next else block.

Example to Understand the Difference Between If-Else and Switch in C

Below is a code example that demonstrates how both If-Else and Switch in C can be used to check a grade and print the corresponding result. This example will help highlight the differences between the two.

Here’s the code:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int grade = 85;  // Variable holding the grade

    // Using If-Else
    printf("Using If-Else:\n");
    if (grade >= 90) {
        printf("Grade: A\n");
    } else if (grade >= 80) {
        printf("Grade: B\n");
    } else if (grade >= 70) {
        printf("Grade: C\n");
    } else if (grade >= 60) {
        printf("Grade: D\n");
    } else {
        printf("Grade: F\n");
    }

    // Using Switch
    printf("\nUsing Switch:\n");
    switch (grade / 10) {  // Dividing grade by 10 (e.g., 85 becomes 8)
        case 10:
        case 9:
            printf("Grade: A\n");
            break;
        case 8:
            printf("Grade: B\n");
            break;
        case 7:
            printf("Grade: C\n");
            break;
        case 6:
            printf("Grade: D\n");
            break;
        default:
            printf("Grade: F\n");
    }

    return 0;
}

Output:

Using If-Else:

Grade: B

Using Switch:

Grade: B

Explanation:

• If-Else:
• • We check the value of grade step by step using if, else if, and else.
  • It compares the grade with different ranges (e.g., grade >= 90).
  • If the condition matches, it prints the corresponding grade.
  • This approach is flexible, as it can handle complex conditions like ranges (>=).
• Switch:
• • We first divide grade by 10 to simplify the comparison (e.g., 85 / 10 = 8).
  • The switch statement compares the result with constant values (9, 8, etc.).
  • The case that matches the divided value (8) is executed.
  • The break statement ensures that only the matching case runs and prevents further checks.
  • Switch is more efficient when comparing a single variable to multiple fixed values.

Conclusion

Both If-Else and Switch in C are fundamental tools for controlling the flow of your program. The key to writing clean and efficient code is not just knowing how they work, but understanding when to use each one. 

As this guide has shown, the difference between If-Else and Switch in C is about choosing the right tool for the job: If-Else for flexible, complex conditions, and Switch for streamlined, multi-branch comparisons against a single value. Mastering this choice is a hallmark of a skilled C programmer. 

FAQs

1. What is the difference between If-Else and Switch in C? 

The fundamental difference between If-Else and Switch in C lies in their evaluation logic and flexibility. An If-Else statement evaluates a series of boolean expressions and can handle complex conditions, ranges, and comparisons between variables. A Switch statement, on the other hand, is a more specialized control structure that evaluates a single integral expression and branches to one of several case labels based on a direct equality match with a constant value. While If-Else is a versatile tool for any conditional logic, Switch is optimized for multi-way branching based on a single variable. 

2. When should I use If-Else instead of Switch in C? 

You should use an If-Else statement when your decision-making logic is based on conditions that a Switch cannot handle. This includes checking ranges of values (e.g., if (age >= 18 && age <= 65)), evaluating complex boolean expressions involving multiple variables, or comparing non-integral types like floating-point numbers or strings. The If-Else and Switch in C each have their strengths, and If-Else is the go-to choice for its superior flexibility in defining conditions. 

3. How does performance compare between If-Else and Switch in C? 

In many cases, a Switch in C can be more performant than a long if-else if ladder. This is because the compiler can often optimize a switch statement by creating a "jump table" or a "branch table" in memory. This allows the program to jump directly to the correct case block in a single operation, which has a time complexity of O(1). An if-else if chain, on the other hand, must evaluate each condition sequentially, which has a time complexity of O(n) in the worst case, where 'n' is the number of conditions. 

4. What is the role of the break statement in a Switch? 

The break statement is a crucial part of a switch block's control flow. When a matching case is found, the code within that block is executed. If a break statement is encountered, it immediately terminates the switch statement, and the program's execution continues at the line following the switch block. Without a break, the program will "fall through" and continue executing the code in all subsequent case blocks, which is rarely the intended behavior. 

5. What is the fall-through behavior in Switch in C? 

Fall-through in a Switch in C is the behavior that occurs when you intentionally omit the break statement at the end of a case block. This causes the program's execution to continue, or "fall through," to the next case block and execute its statements, regardless of whether that case's value matches. While this can be a source of bugs if a break is forgotten, it can also be used intentionally to allow multiple cases to share a common block of code. 

6. What happens if none of the cases match in a Switch? 

If the expression in a Switch in C does not match any of the case constant values, the program will look for an optional default case. If a default case is present, its code block will be executed. If there is no default case, the program will simply do nothing and exit the switch block, continuing execution at the next statement. It is a very good practice to always include a default case to handle unexpected values. 

7. What is the purpose of the default case in a Switch statement? 

The default case serves as a catch-all block that is executed when none of the other case labels in a switch statement match the expression's value. It is analogous to the final else in an if-else if chain. Including a default case is a crucial best practice for writing a robust Switch in C, as it allows you to handle unexpected or invalid inputs gracefully instead of having the program fail silently. 

8. Can I use enum types with a Switch statement? 

Yes, using enum (enumerated) types with a Switch in C is a very common and highly recommended practice. An enum provides a set of named integer constants, which makes your code much more readable and self-documenting compared to using arbitrary "magic numbers." When you use an enum in a switch, the compiler can also often issue a warning if you have not handled all of the possible enum values in your case labels, which can help you prevent bugs. 

9. What is the "dangling else" problem in C? 

The "dangling else" is a classic ambiguity problem that can occur with nested if statements. It happens when an else clause could logically belong to more than one if statement. The C language rule is that an else is always associated with the nearest preceding if that does not already have an else. This is a key reason to always use curly braces {} to define your if and else blocks clearly, even for single statements. 

10. Can I use If-Else for multiple conditions? 

Yes, an if-else statement is perfectly suited for checking multiple, complex conditions using an if-else if-else ladder. This structure allows you to evaluate a sequence of different boolean expressions, which can involve ranges, logical operators like && (AND) and || (OR), and comparisons between multiple variables. This is the primary area where If-Else and Switch in C differ, as Switch is limited to equality checks against a single expression. 

11. Can a Switch statement handle boolean expressions? 

No, a switch statement in C cannot directly evaluate a boolean expression in its case labels. The case labels must be constant integral values (like an integer or a character). To handle true/false logic or complex conditions that result in a boolean value, you must use an if-else statement. An if-else is specifically designed to handle the full range of logical and relational operations. 

12. Does Switch handle ranges of values? 

No, a standard Switch in C cannot handle a range of values directly in a single case label. Each case must correspond to a single, constant integral value. If you need to check if a variable falls within a certain range (e.g., if (score >= 90)), you must use an if-else statement. While you could technically list out every single value in a range using multiple case labels with fall-through, this is extremely inefficient and unreadable. 

13. Is there a limit to the number of cases in Switch in C? 

The C standard does not specify a hard limit on the number of case labels you can have in a switch statement; the limit is typically determined by the compiler and the available memory. However, from a practical and code-quality perspective, a switch statement with an excessively large number of cases (e.g., hundreds) can become difficult to read and maintain. In such situations, it might be better to consider an alternative data structure, like an array of function pointers. 

14. Can Switch be used with strings in C? 

No, a standard Switch in C cannot be used with strings. The expression in a switch statement must evaluate to an integral type, such as an int or a char. To compare a string against a list of possible values, you must use a series of if-else if statements with the strcmp() function to perform the string comparisons. This is a key difference between If-Else and Switch in C. 

15. Can I use variables in a case label? 

No, you cannot use a variable in a case label. The value for each case must be a constant expression, which is an expression whose value can be determined by the compiler at compile-time. This means you can use literal values (like 5 or 'A') or constants defined with #define or const. This restriction is what allows the compiler to perform optimizations like creating a jump table for the switch statement. 

16. Can I use If-Else and Switch together in a program? 

Yes, absolutely. If-Else and Switch in C are not mutually exclusive and are often used together within the same program, or even within the same function, to handle different types of conditional logic. A skilled programmer will choose the best tool for the specific task at hand: Switch for clean, multi-way branching based on a single value, and If-Else for all other more complex conditional scenarios. 

17. What is a "jump table" and how does it relate to Switch? 

A jump table is a compiler optimization technique that can make a switch statement very fast. If the case values are dense (i.e., they are close together without large gaps), the compiler can create an array of memory addresses, where each address points to the code for a specific case. The expression in the switch is then used as an index into this array to directly "jump" to the correct code block. This is often more efficient than the sequential checks of an if-else ladder. 

18. How can I learn to choose between If-Else and Switch effectively? 

The best way to learn is through a combination of structured education and hands-on practice. A comprehensive program, like the software development courses offered by upGrad, can provide a strong foundation in C and its control flow statements. You should then practice by solving a variety of coding challenges that require conditional logic. This experience will help you develop an intuition for the difference between If-Else and Switch in C and when each is the most appropriate choice. 

19. What are some common bugs related to the Switch statement? 

The single most common bug is the missing break statement. Forgetting to add a break at the end of a case block will cause unintended "fall-through," where the code for the next case is also executed, leading to logical errors. Another common mistake is forgetting to include a default case, which can cause your program to behave unpredictably if it receives an unexpected value. 

20. What is the main takeaway about If-Else and Switch in C? 

The main takeaway is that a skilled C programmer must understand that both If-Else and Switch in C are essential tools for decision-making, but they are not interchangeable. The key is knowing the fundamental difference between If-Else and Switch in C: If-Else provides maximum flexibility for any type of condition, while Switch provides a clean, readable, and often more efficient solution for a specific problem—multi-way branching based on a single, constant value. Choosing the right tool for the job is a hallmark of writing professional code. 

Take a Free C Programming Quiz

Answer quick questions and assess your C programming knowledge

Start Quiz