If statement

Definition

An if statement allows the execution of a block of code only if a specified condition is true. It is fundamental for decision-making in programming.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. An if statement evaluates a boolean expression and executes the associated block only if the expression is true.
2. The syntax includes the keyword 'if' followed by a condition in parentheses and a colon, then an indented block of code.
3. Multiple conditions can be evaluated using elif (else if) statements following the initial if statement.
4. An else clause can be added to execute a block of code when all preceding conditions are false.
5. Logical operators (and, or, not) can combine multiple conditions within an if statement.

Review Questions

• What happens when the condition in an if statement evaluates to false?
• How do you include multiple conditions within an if statement?
• What is the purpose of an else clause?

Related terms

Boolean Expression: A logical statement that can only be true or false.

elif Statement: 'elif' stands for else if and allows checking multiple expressions for True and executing a block of code as soon as one condition evaluates to True.

Logical Operators: 'and', 'or', and 'not' are used to form complex boolean expressions in conditional statements.