If statement in Javascript

Introduction

An if statement helps your program make decisions by running code only when certain conditions are true.

To check if a user is logged in before showing their profile.

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

To turn on a light only if it is dark outside.

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

Syntax

Javascript

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

The condition is a question your program asks, like 'Is it raining?'.

If the condition is true, the code inside the curly braces runs. If false, it skips.

Examples

This checks if age is 18 or more, then prints a message.

Javascript

if (age >= 18) {
  console.log('You can vote');
}

This runs the message only if the temperature is below zero.

Javascript

if (temperature < 0) {
  console.log('It is freezing');
}

This runs if the variable isRaining is true.

Javascript

if (isRaining) {
  console.log('Take an umbrella');
}

Sample Program

This program checks if the score is 60 or more. If yes, it prints a congratulation message.

Javascript

const score = 75;

if (score >= 60) {
  console.log('You passed the test!');
}

Important Notes

Always use parentheses () around the condition.

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

If the condition is false, the code inside the if block is skipped.

Summary

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

Use it to make your program decide what to do next.

Remember to put the condition in parentheses and the code to run inside curly braces.

Practice

1. What does an if statement do in JavaScript?

easy

A. Declares a variable

B. Repeats code multiple times

C. Defines a new function

D. Runs code only if a condition is true

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of an if statement

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

2. Step 2: Compare options with the definition

   Only Runs code only if a condition is true matches this behavior exactly.

3. Final Answer:

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

4. Quick Check:

   If statement = runs code if true [OK]

Hint: If it runs code only when true, it's an if statement [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing if with loops
• Thinking if declares variables
• Mixing if with function definitions

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

easy

A. if condition { console.log('Yes'); }

B. if (condition) console.log('Yes');

C. if condition: console.log('Yes');

D. if (condition) then { console.log('Yes'); }

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall JavaScript if syntax

   The condition must be inside parentheses, and the code block can be inside curly braces or a single statement without braces.

2. Step 2: Check each option

   if (condition) console.log('Yes'); correctly uses parentheses around the condition and a statement without braces.

3. Final Answer:

   if (condition) console.log('Yes'); -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Parentheses around condition = correct syntax [OK]

Hint: Condition must be in parentheses for if [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Omitting parentheses around condition
• Using colons instead of braces
• Adding 'then' keyword (not in JS)

3. What will be the output of this code?

let x = 10;
if (x > 5) {
  console.log('Big');
} else {
  console.log('Small');
}

medium

A. Small

B. 10

C. Big

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

   The if block runs and prints 'Big'. The else block is skipped.

3. Final Answer:

   Big -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   10 > 5 is true, so output is 'Big' [OK]

Hint: Check if condition is true to pick output [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing else output when condition is true
• Confusing variable value with output
• Ignoring else block

4. Find the error in this code:

if x == 5 {
  console.log('Equal');
}

medium

A. Missing parentheses around condition

B. Using double equals instead of triple equals

C. Missing semicolon after console.log

D. Curly braces should be parentheses

Solution

1. Step 1: Check if statement syntax

   In JavaScript, the condition must be inside parentheses after if.

2. Step 2: Identify the error

   The code misses parentheses around x == 5, causing a syntax error.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing parentheses around condition -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Condition needs parentheses in if [OK]

Hint: Always put condition inside parentheses in if [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Omitting parentheses around condition
• Confusing == and === (both valid but different)
• Thinking semicolon is mandatory after console.log

5. You want to print 'Adult' if age is 18 or more, otherwise 'Minor'. Which code correctly uses an if statement?

hard

A. if (age >= 18) { console.log('Adult'); } else { console.log('Minor'); }

B. if age >= 18 then { console.log('Adult'); } else { console.log('Minor'); }

C. if (age > 18) { console.log('Adult'); } else { console.log('Minor'); }

D. if (age = 18) { console.log('Adult'); } else { console.log('Minor'); }

Solution

1. Step 1: Check condition for age 18 or more

   The condition should be age >= 18 to include 18 and above.

2. Step 2: Verify syntax and logic

   if (age >= 18) { console.log('Adult'); } else { console.log('Minor'); } uses correct syntax and condition. if age >= 18 then { console.log('Adult'); } else { console.log('Minor'); } uses invalid 'then'. if (age > 18) { console.log('Adult'); } else { console.log('Minor'); } excludes age 18. if (age = 18) { console.log('Adult'); } else { console.log('Minor'); } uses assignment (=) instead of comparison (== or >=).

3. Final Answer:

   if (age >= 18) { console.log('Adult'); } else { console.log('Minor'); } -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Use >= and correct syntax for if-else [OK]

Hint: Use >= for 18 or more, no 'then' keyword [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using assignment (=) instead of comparison
• Using 'then' keyword (not in JS)
• Using > instead of >= to include 18