Question

You need to write a multiple alternative decision structure, but the language you are using will not allow you to perform the test you need in a select Case statement. What can you do to achieve the same results?

Short answer

Answer: We can create a multiple alternative decision structure without using a select Case statement by using a series of if-elif-else statements (also known as if-else if-else statements). This allows us to test multiple conditions and execute the code corresponding to the first condition that evaluates to true.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the problem

In our programming language, we are unable to use a select Case statement, but we still need a method for handling multiple alternative decisions. Consider the requirement a programming language agnostic one, and think of a general solution that can be applied in most programming languages.

Use a series of if-elif-else statements

To achieve the same result as a select Case statement, we can use a series of if-elif-else statements (also called if-else if-else statements). These statements allow us to test multiple conditions and execute the code corresponding to the first condition that evaluates to true.

Implement the logic using if-elif-else statements

Here is an example of how to write a multiple alternative decision structure using if-elif-else statements: Assume that we have to classify a number based on the following conditions: a. If the number is less than or equal to 10, classify it as Small. b. If the number is greater than 10 but less than or equal to 25, classify it as Medium. c. If the number is greater than 25, classify it as Large. Here's how to implement this logic using if-elif-else statements: ``` if number <= 10: print("Small") elif number <= 25: print("Medium") else: print("Large") ``` With these steps, we managed to create a multiple alternative decision structure without using a select Case statement. This approach can be applied in several programming languages with some syntax adjustments.