Tutorial Playlist
132 Lessons1. Introduction to C Tutorial
2. Addition of Two Numbers in C
3. Anagram Program in C
4. Armstrong Number in C
5. Array in C
6. Array of Pointers in C
7. Array of Structure in C
8. C Program to Find ASCII Value of a Character
9. Assignment Operator in C
10. Binary Search in C
11. Binary to Decimal in C
12. Bitwise Operators in C
13. Boolean in C
14. C Compiler for Mac
15. C Compiler for Windows
16. C Function Call Stack
17. C Language Download
18. Operators in C
19. C/C++ Preprocessors
20. C Program for Bubble Sort
21. C Program for Factorial
22. C Program for Prime Numbers
23. C Program for String Palindrome
24. C Program to Reverse a Number
25. Reverse a String in C
26. C string declaration
27. String Input Output Functions in C
28. Calculator Program in C
29. Call by Value and Call by Reference in C
30. Ceil Function in C
31. Coding Vs. Programming
32. Command Line Arguments in C/C++
33. Comments in C
34. Compilation process in C
35. Conditional Statements in C
36. Conditional operator in the C
37. Constant Pointer in C
38. Constants in C
39. Dangling Pointer in C
40. Data Structures in C
41. Data Types in C
42. Debugging C Program
43. Convert Decimal to Binary in C
44. Define And include in C
45. Difference Between Arguments And Parameters
46. Difference Between Compiler and Interpreter
47. Difference Between If Else and Switch
48. Do While Loop In C
49. Double In C
50. Dynamic Array in C
51. Dynamic Memory Allocation in C
52. Enumeration (or enum) in C
53. Evaluation of Arithmetic Expression
54. Factorial of A Number in C
55. Features of C Language
56. Fibonacci Series Program in C Using Recursion
57. File Handling in C
58. For Loop in C
59. Format Specifiers in C
60. Functions in C
61. Function Pointer in C
62. goto statement in C
63. C Hello World Program
64. Header Files in C
65. Heap Sort in C Program
66. Hello World Program in C
67. History of C Language
68. How to compile a C program in Linux
69. How to Find a Leap Year Using C Programming
70. Identifiers in C
71. If Else Statement in C
72. If Statement in C
73. Implementation of Queue Using Linked List
74. Increment and decrement operators in c
75. Input and Output Functions in C
76. How To Install C Language In Mac
77. Jump Statements in C
78. Lcm of Two Numbers in C
79. Length of an Array in C
80. Library Function in C
81. Linked list in C
82. Logical Operators in C
83. Macros in C
84. Matrix multiplication in C
85. Nested if else statement in C
86. Nested Loop in C
87. One Dimensional Array in C
88. Operator Precedence and Associativity in C
89. Overflow And Underflow in C
90. Palindrome Program in C
91. Pattern Programs in C
92. Pointer to Pointer in C
93. Pointers in C: A Comprehensive Tutorial
94. Pre-increment And Post-increment
95. Prime Number Program in C
96. Program for Linear Search in C
97. Pseudo-Code In C
98. Random Access Files in C
99. Random Number Generator in C
100. Recursion in C
101. Relational Operators in C
102. Simple interest program in C
103. Square Root in C
104. Stack in C
105. Stack Using Linked List in C
106. Static function in C
107. Stdio.h in C
108. Storage Classes in C
109. strcat() in C
110. Strcmp in C
111. Strcpy in C
112. String Comparison in C
113. String Functions in C
114. String Length in C
115. String Pointer in C
116. strlen() in C
117. Structures in C
118. Structure of C Program
119. Switch Case in C
Now Reading
120. C Ternary Operator
121. Tokens in C
122. Toupper Function in C
123. Transpose of a Matrix in C
124. Two Dimensional Array in C
125. Type Casting in C
126. Types of Error in C
127. Unary Operator in C
128. Use of C Language
129. User Defined Functions in C
130. What is Variables in C
131. Is C language case sensitive
132. Fibonacci Series in C
Programming in any language involves decision-making processes, whether simple or complex. In C programming, we have various constructs for handling these decision-making scenarios. One such important construct is the switch case statement.
This article aims to provide a deep dive into the concept of switch case statements in C, highlighting its syntax, uses, advantages, disadvantages, and best practices. Keep reading to resolve switch case in C programming questions with efficiency.
In the world of C programming, a switch case statement is a multiway branch statement that allows us to select one choice among many options. It provides an efficient way to transfer the execution to different parts of code based on the condition or choice.
Writing multiple if-else statements can become quite cumbersome in complex programming scenarios where we need to make decisions based on various conditions. This is where switch case statements come in handy, providing a clean and organised way to handle multiple switch case in C with conditions.
Here's the basic syntax of a switch case statement in C:
switch (n) { |
The switch statement evaluates the expression inside the parenthesis. The resulting value is then compared with the values of each case. If there's a match, the block of code associated with that case is executed. If none of the case values matches, the default block is executed (if provided).
Here's a simple flowchart representation of how a switch case statement works in C:
Evaluate switch(n) |
A switch case statement in C must follow certain rules to ensure correct and expected functioning. Let's discuss these rules along with some switch case examples.
1. The switch expression must be an integer or character constant.
The switch parenthesis's expression must be evaluated with an integer or a character. You cannot use float, double, or other data types in the switch expression.
Example:
int x = 2; |
In this example, x is an integer type variable. Hence, it's a valid expression to use within the switch statement.
2. Case labels must be unique and must be compile-time constants.
Each case in a switch statement must have a unique, constant value. Variable or changeable values are not allowed as case labels.
Example:
#define MAX 10 |
Here, MAX is a #define constant. Hence, it's a valid case label.
3. The default case is optional and can be used when no case matches.
You don't always have to use a default case. However, it's often a good idea to include one to handle situations where none of the case labels matches the switch expression.
Example:
int x = 20; |
In this case, since x is 20, none of the case labels matches. Therefore, the default case is executed.
4. The break statement is optional but often necessary.
The break statement is used to exit a switch case block. If omitted, the program will continue executing the next case, even if it doesn't match the switch expression. This is known as a fall-through.
Example:
int x = 1; |
In this case, although x is 1, the program prints both "One" and "Two". This is because of the fall-through due to the missing break statement.
Remember, these rules aren't optional. Violating these rules might lead to compilation errors or unexpected behaviour in your program.
Switch case statements allow for better readability and simplicity in handling multiple conditions. They provide an efficient alternative to lengthy if-else chains and are especially useful when dealing with enumerated types.
Here are some of the important points to keep in mind regarding the C Switch Case:
The standard format of switch case statements involves:
Let's understand with an easy switch case example:
#include <stdio.h> |
In this program, the switch statement checks the month variable. If the month is 1, it will print "January". If the month is 2, it will print "February", and so on. If no cases match, the default case will be executed, and it will print "Invalid Month".
The break statement is used to exit from the switch case statement. If we do not use the break statement, all cases after the correct case are executed until a break is encountered or the program reaches the end of the switch block.
The switch case and if-else statements in C are both control flow constructs that let us perform different actions based on different conditions. Despite their similarities, they have fundamental differences in handling conditions, syntax, and efficiency in specific scenarios.
A switch case in C with multiple values is cleaner and more organised based on a single variable or expression. On the other hand, multiple if-else statements can become quite cumbersome and less readable as the number of conditions increases.
Switch Case Example:
int x = 2; |
If-Else Equivalent:
int x = 2; |
In these examples, the switch case statement is more compact and easier to read than the equivalent if-else statements.
if-else statements are more versatile than switch case statements. While switch case statements can only test a single variable or expression against different values, if-else statements can handle complex conditions with different variables and logical operators.
If-Else Example:
int x = 2; |
The above code would not be possible to represent with a switch case statement because it involves logical operators and checks conditions based on multiple variables.
A switch case statement can sometimes be more efficient than equivalent if-else statements. The compiler can optimise switch case statements using a technique known as a jump table, which allows for faster execution. However, in most cases, the performance difference is negligible and shouldn't be a determining factor in choosing between the two.
Both switch case and if-else statements support default conditions, executed when no other condition matches. In switch case statements, this is done using the default case. In if-else statements, this is done using the final else block.
Switch case statements, like all programming constructs, have their strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages will help you determine when it's best to use switch case statements and when other options, like if-else statements, might be a better fit.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Enhances code readability and organisation | Only supports integer and character data types |
Faster execution due to compiler optimisation using jump table | Comparison operators aren't supported |
Simplifies complex if-else chains | Cases can fall through if not terminated with a break |
Ideal for menu-driven programming and multiple choice scenarios | A variable or expression can't be used as a case constant |
The advantages of switch case statements shine when you have a single variable or expression leading to multiple outcomes. However, its limitations in data type support, inability to use comparison operators, and potential for case fall-through are important considerations.
Switch case statements can be incredibly useful in a variety of programming situations. Let's explore some of the common use cases.
Switch case is commonly used for creating menu-driven programs, where a user's choice can lead to different parts of the code. It provides a simple and elegant solution to execute different blocks of code based on user input.
int choice; |
Switch case statements can represent state machine logic very cleanly. For example, using a switch case statement, you can represent different states of a game (loading, running, paused, game over, etc.).
enum GameState {LOADING, RUNNING, PAUSED, GAME_OVER}; |
Whenever you have multiple choices based on a single variable or expression, a switch case statement can be an efficient solution. It's far cleaner and more organised than using a series of if-else statements.
char vegetable= 'C'; |
In a switch case statement, we can have multiple case labels. This means we can have the same code for multiple cases.
switch (n) { |
The default case in a switch case statement is executed when no case values match with the switch expression. It's optional but can be useful in handling unexpected cases.
switch (n) { |
We can also use switch case statements inside another switch case statement. This is called a nested switch case statement.
switch (n) { |
Mastering the switch case statement in C is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a proficient C programmer. It is a powerful construct that can significantly simplify your code when dealing with multiple conditions. Remember the syntax, use cases, advantages, and best practices we've discussed here to use the switch case statement effectively in your C programming journey.
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1. When should I use a switch case statement instead of an if-else statement?
If you have a single variable or expression that can lead to multiple outcomes, a switch case statement can be more efficient and readable than a series of if-else statements.
2. What happens if I forget to use the break statement in a switch case statement?
If you forget to use the break statement in a switch case statement, the program will continue executing the next case, even if it doesn't match the condition. This is known as a case fall-through.
3. Can I use a switch case statement with float data types in C?
No, switch case statements in C can only be used with integer and character data types. It does not support floating point or double data types.
4. What is a nested switch case statement?
A nested switch case statement refers to a switch case statement inside another switch case statement. It's useful when dealing with complex decision-making scenarios but should be used sparingly as it can become difficult to read and maintain.
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upGrad does not grant credit; credits are granted, accepted or transferred at the sole discretion of the relevant educational institution offering the diploma or degree. We advise you to enquire further regarding the suitability of this program for your academic, professional requirements and job prospects before enr...