Question

In an if/else statement, the if part executes its statement(s) if the expression is __________, and the else part executes its statement(s) if the expression is __________.

Short answer

Answer: The two key terms that determine the execution of the if and else parts of an if/else statement are "true" for the if part, and "false" for the else part.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the if/else statement

An if/else statement is a fundamental control structure used in programming to make decisions based on certain conditions. The structure includes an 'if' part and an optional 'else' part. The 'if' part executes a statement(s) when a specific condition is met (i.e., the expression is true). If the expression is not met (i.e., false), then the 'else' part will execute its statement(s).

Identify the key terms

The if part of an if/else statement executes its statement(s) if the expression is __true__, and the else part executes its statement(s) if the expression is __false__.

Key concepts

Conditional Statements

A conditional statement is a fundamental element in programming that helps a program make decisions based on whether a condition is true or false. You can think of it as having a rulebook that guides different actions depending on the circumstances. The most common form of a conditional statement in programming is the **if-else** statement.

The **if** part of the statement checks if a condition is true. If it is, the program will execute the code block associated with the if statement. If the condition is not true, the program will check for an **else** or **else if** block.

• The **if** block runs if the condition is true.
• The **else** block, which is optional, runs if the condition is false and no other conditions are true.

In summary, conditional statements allow your program to make decisions and perform actions only when necessary, making your code more efficient and functional.

Programming Logic

Programming logic is like the engine that drives your entire application. It's how you configure programs to respond to various inputs, process data, and produce desired outcomes through algorithmic thinking. At its core, programming logic involves using structures, such as loops and conditional statements, to guide the flow of the program.

Conditional statements play a crucial role here. They direct the exact path the program should take based on variables' values and conditions.

• Good programming logic ensures your program performs efficiently and without errors.
• Using clear conditional statements can prevent logic errors that cause incorrect operations or crashes.

A solid grasp of programming logic enables you to create robust applications that fulfill their intended purpose reliably.
Programming can be thought of as a series of questions leading to answers, logically connecting different parts of your program to function as a cohesive unit.

Boolean Expressions

At the heart of conditional statements and programming logic are boolean expressions. A boolean expression is a type of expression that evaluates to a boolean value—either **true** or **false**. These outcomes are rooted in binary logic, a cornerstone of computing.

Boolean expressions are often used in **if-else** statements to guide decision-making in a program.

• They compare data using relational operators like ==, !=, >, <, >=, and <=.
• They can also incorporate logical operators such as **and**, **or**, and **not** to form more complex conditions.

For example, a boolean expression could check if a variable is greater than another, returning true or false as the outcome. This determines the next steps in the program's logic flow.
With boolean expressions, you can create flexible and dynamic paths for your program to take, adaptable to various conditions and inputs.