If statement in C++

Introduction

An if statement helps your program make choices by running code only when a condition is true.

To check if a user entered the correct password before allowing access.

To decide if a number is positive or negative and print a message.

To perform an action only if a sensor detects something.

To give a discount only if the customer buys more than 5 items.

Syntax

C++

if (condition) {
    // code to run if condition is true
}

The condition is a test that is either true or false.

Curly braces { } group the code that runs when the condition is true.

Examples

This runs the message only if x is greater than zero.

C++

if (x > 0) {
    std::cout << "x is positive" << std::endl;
}

This checks if age is 18 or more before printing.

C++

if (age >= 18) {
    std::cout << "You can vote." << std::endl;
}

This runs only if score equals exactly 100.

C++

if (score == 100) {
    std::cout << "Perfect score!" << std::endl;
}

Sample Program

This program asks the user to enter a number. It then uses an if statement to check if the number is positive. If yes, it prints a message.

C++

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    int number;
    std::cout << "Enter a number: ";
    std::cin >> number;

    if (number > 0) {
        std::cout << "The number is positive." << std::endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

Important Notes

If the condition is false, the code inside the if block does not run.

You can add else or else if to handle other cases (not covered here).

Summary

An if statement runs code only when a condition is true.

Use it to make decisions in your program.

Conditions are inside parentheses and code to run is inside curly braces.

Practice

1. What does an if statement do in C++?

easy

A. Defines a new variable

B. Repeats code multiple times

C. Runs code only if a condition is true

D. Ends the program immediately

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of if statement

   An if statement checks a condition and runs code only when that condition is true.

2. Step 2: Compare with other options

   Repeating code is done by loops, defining variables is done by declarations, and ending the program is done by return or exit.

3. Final Answer:

   Runs code only if a condition is true -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   If statement = runs code if true [OK]

Hint: If checks true condition to run code [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing if with loops
• Thinking if defines variables
• Believing if ends program

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax for an if statement in C++?

easy

A. if condition { cout << "Yes"; }

B. if condition: cout << "Yes";

C. if (condition) cout << "Yes"

D. if (condition) { cout << "Yes"; }

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall correct if syntax

   In C++, the condition must be inside parentheses and the code block inside curly braces.

2. Step 2: Check each option

   if (condition) { cout << "Yes"; } uses parentheses and curly braces correctly. if condition { cout << "Yes"; } misses parentheses. if condition: cout << "Yes"; uses colon which is invalid in C++. if (condition) cout << "Yes" misses curly braces which is allowed only for single statements but here it is incomplete.

3. Final Answer:

   if (condition) { cout << "Yes"; } -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Parentheses + braces = correct if syntax [OK]

Hint: Use parentheses for condition and braces for code [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Missing parentheses
• Using colon instead of braces
• Omitting braces for multiple statements

3. What will be the output of this code?

int x = 10;
if (x > 5) {
  cout << "Hello";
} else {
  cout << "Bye";
}

medium

A. Hello

B. Bye

C. HelloBye

D. No output

Solution

1. Step 1: Evaluate the condition x > 5

   Since x is 10, which is greater than 5, the condition is true.

2. Step 2: Determine which block runs

   Because the condition is true, the code inside the if block runs, printing "Hello".

3. Final Answer:

   Hello -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   10 > 5 is true, prints Hello [OK]

Hint: Check condition true or false to pick output [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing else output
• Ignoring condition result
• Assuming both blocks run

4. Find the error in this code snippet:

int a = 3;
if a > 0 {
  cout << "Positive";
}

medium

A. Missing semicolon after if

B. Condition must be inside parentheses

C. Missing curly braces

D. Variable a is not declared

Solution

1. Step 1: Check the if statement syntax

   The condition in an if statement must be inside parentheses.

2. Step 2: Identify the error

   The code writes if a > 0 { without parentheses, which is invalid syntax.

3. Final Answer:

   Condition must be inside parentheses -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   If condition needs parentheses [OK]

Hint: Always put condition inside parentheses [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Omitting parentheses
• Thinking semicolon needed after if
• Assuming braces optional always

5. You want to print "Even" if a number is even, and "Odd" if it is odd. Which code correctly uses an if statement to do this?

int num = 7;
// Your code here

hard

A. if (num % 2 == 0) { cout << "Even"; } else { cout << "Odd"; }

B. if (num / 2 == 0) { cout << "Even"; } else { cout << "Odd"; }

C. if (num % 2 = 0) { cout << "Even"; } else { cout << "Odd"; }

D. if (num % 2 != 0) { cout << "Even"; } else { cout << "Odd"; }

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand how to check even numbers

   A number is even if dividing by 2 leaves remainder 0, checked by num % 2 == 0.

2. Step 2: Analyze each option

   if (num % 2 == 0) { cout << "Even"; } else { cout << "Odd"; } correctly uses num % 2 == 0. if (num / 2 == 0) { cout << "Even"; } else { cout << "Odd"; } uses division instead of modulo, which is wrong. if (num % 2 = 0) { cout << "Even"; } else { cout << "Odd"; } uses assignment = instead of comparison ==. if (num % 2 != 0) { cout << "Even"; } else { cout << "Odd"; } reverses the logic.

3. Final Answer:

   if (num % 2 == 0) { cout << "Even"; } else { cout << "Odd"; } -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Modulo 2 equals 0 means even [OK]

Hint: Use modulo (%) to check evenness [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using division instead of modulo
• Using = instead of ==
• Reversing condition logic