Switch statement - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a switch statement used for in C?

A switch statement lets you choose between many options based on the value of a variable. It is like a cleaner way to write many if-else checks for the same variable.

beginner

How do you write a basic switch statement syntax in C?

You write switch (variable) { case value1: // code; break; case value2: // code; break; default: // code; }. The case labels check the variable's value, and break stops the switch from running other cases.

intermediate

What happens if you forget the break statement in a case?

If you forget break, the program will continue running the next case code too. This is called "fall-through" and can cause bugs if not intended.

beginner

What is the purpose of the default case in a switch?

The default case runs if none of the other case values match the variable. It acts like an else to handle unexpected values.

intermediate

Can switch statements in C work with strings or floating-point numbers?

No, switch in C only works with integer types like int, char, or enums. It cannot directly handle strings or floats.

What keyword do you use to stop execution from falling through to the next case in a switch?

A stop

B exit

C break

D return

The break keyword stops the switch from continuing to the next case.

Which of these types can be used in a switch statement in C?

A string

B float

C double

D int

Switch statements in C only work with integer types like int.

What happens if no case matches and there is no default case?

A The program crashes

B The switch does nothing and continues after it

C The first case runs anyway

D An error is shown

If no case matches and no default is given, the switch just skips all cases and continues.

What is the role of the default case in a switch?

A Runs if no other case matches

B Runs before any case

C Stops the switch

D Is required for switch to work

The default case runs only if no other case matches the variable.

Which of these is a correct switch statement start?

A switch (x) {

B switch x {

C switch x() {

D switch (x);

The correct syntax is switch (variable) { with parentheses around the variable.

Explain how a switch statement works and why you might use it instead of multiple if-else statements.

Think about choosing one path from many options.

Describe what happens if you omit the break statement in a switch case and why it matters.

What happens when you don't tell the program to stop?