In programming, control structures are the building blocks that allow developers to dictate the flow of execution in their code. They determine the order in which statements, logic, or iterations are carried out.
Control structures mainly include:
- Sequential: Default mode where instructions are executed one after another.
- Selection: Also known as conditional structures, these decide which piece of code to execute based on a condition. The 'if' and 'else' statements are prime examples.
- Iteration: Allows repeating a sequence of code through loops like 'for', 'while', or 'do-while'.
Nesting these structures lets programmers handle intricate scenarios. When structures like 'if' are nested, it allows checking multiple related conditions, offering a rich control over program flow. This reduces redundancy and increases readability, making code management easier in complex situations.