Swich case
In C programming, the switch statement is used as an alternative to if-else statements. It provides a more efficient way of testing multiple conditions and executing different code blocks based on the result. Switch statements can be used when you have a fixed set of values or conditions to test against.
Syntax: The syntax of a switch statement is as follows:
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switch(expression) {
case constant-expression:
// code block
break;
case constant-expression:
// code block
break;
...
default:
// code block
break;
}
The expression in the switch statement is evaluated once, and the value is compared against each case constant-expression. If the expression matches the case constant-expression, the corresponding code block is executed. If there is no match, the default code block is executed. It is essential to include the break statement after each code block in a switch statement. Without the break statement, the code will continue to execute through the next case blocks until it finds a break statement or reaches the end of the switch statement.
Example
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#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
int choice;
printf("Enter your choice (1-3): ");
scanf("%d", &choice);
switch(choice) {
case 1:
printf("You chose option 1\n");
break;
case 2:
printf("You chose option 2\n");
break;
case 3:
printf("You chose option 3\n");
break;
default:
printf("Invalid choice\n");
break;
}
return 0;
}
Output
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Enter your choice (1-3): 2
You chose option 2
Advantages of Switch Statement:
1. Faster Execution: The switch statement is faster than if-else statements when there are multiple conditions to test against. The reason is that the switch statement uses jump tables to execute the code block, making it more efficient. 2. Clear Code: The switch statement provides a clear and concise way of testing multiple conditions, especially when there are many conditions to test against. It makes the code easier to read and understand. 3. Simplifies Code: The switch statement simplifies the code by eliminating the need for multiple if-else statements. It reduces the complexity of the code and makes it more maintainable. In conclusion, the switch statement is an essential construct in C programming that provides an efficient and concise way of testing multiple conditions. It simplifies the code, makes it easier to read and maintain, and improves performance.