If–else statement in Javascript

Introduction

An if-else statement helps your program decide what to do based on a condition. It lets your code choose between two paths.

Checking if a user is logged in to show different content.

Deciding if a number is positive or negative.

Choosing what message to show based on the time of day.

Validating if a form input is filled or empty.

Syntax

Javascript

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

The condition is a question your program asks that can be true or false.

The code inside the first block runs if the condition is true; otherwise, the code inside else runs.

Examples

This checks if age is 18 or more. It prints a message based on that.

Javascript

if (age >= 18) {
  console.log('You can vote');
} else {
  console.log('You are too young to vote');
}

This decides what to say based on the temperature.

Javascript

if (temperature > 30) {
  console.log('It is hot outside');
} else {
  console.log('It is not hot outside');
}

Sample Program

This program checks if a number is even or odd by using the remainder operator %. If the remainder when dividing by 2 is zero, it is even; otherwise, odd.

Javascript

const number = 10;

if (number % 2 === 0) {
  console.log('The number is even');
} else {
  console.log('The number is odd');
}

Important Notes

Always use curly braces {} to keep your code clear and avoid mistakes.

The condition inside if must result in true or false.

Summary

If-else lets your program choose between two actions.

The if block runs when the condition is true.

The else block runs when the condition is false.

Practice

1. What does an if-else statement do in JavaScript?

easy

A. It repeats a block of code multiple times.

B. It creates a new variable.

C. It defines a function to be used later.

D. It chooses between two actions based on a condition.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of if-else

   An if-else statement lets the program decide between two paths depending on a condition.

2. Step 2: Match the description to the options

   Only It chooses between two actions based on a condition. describes choosing between two actions based on a condition.

3. Final Answer:

   It chooses between two actions based on a condition. -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   If-else = choose between two actions [OK]

Hint: If-else picks one of two paths based on true or false [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing if-else with loops
• Thinking if-else defines functions
• Believing if-else creates variables

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

easy

A. if (condition) { } else { }

B. if condition { } else { }

C. if (condition) then { } else { }

D. if condition then { } else { }

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall JavaScript if-else syntax

   JavaScript requires parentheses around the condition and braces for blocks: if (condition) { } else { }

2. Step 2: Compare options to correct syntax

   Only if (condition) { } else { } uses parentheses and braces correctly without extra keywords.

3. Final Answer:

   if (condition) { } else { } -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Correct syntax uses parentheses and braces [OK]

Hint: Remember: condition in ( ), blocks in { } [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Omitting parentheses around condition
• Adding 'then' keyword (not in JS)
• Missing braces for code blocks

3. What will be the output of this code?

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

medium

A. Adult

B. Minor

C. undefined

D. Error

Solution

1. Step 1: Evaluate the condition age >= 18

   Since age is 18, the condition age >= 18 is true.

2. Step 2: Determine which block runs

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

3. Final Answer:

   Adult -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Condition true -> if block runs -> 'Adult' [OK]

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

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking 18 is less than 18
• Confusing else block runs when condition is true
• Expecting syntax error

4. Find the error in this code:

let score = 75;
if score >= 60 {
  console.log('Pass');
} else {
  console.log('Fail');
}

medium

A. Using else without if

B. Missing semicolon after console.log

C. Missing parentheses around the condition

D. Variable score is not declared

Solution

1. Step 1: Check if-else syntax

   JavaScript requires parentheses around the condition in if statements.

2. Step 2: Identify the missing parentheses

   The code has if score >= 60 { ... } but it should be if (score >= 60) { ... }

3. Final Answer:

   Missing parentheses around the condition -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   if condition must be in ( ) [OK]

Hint: Always put condition inside ( ) after if [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Forgetting parentheses around condition
• Thinking semicolon is required after console.log block
• Confusing else usage

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

let num = 7;
// Choose the correct code snippet

hard

A. if (num % 2 != 0) {
console.log('Even');
} else {
console.log('Odd');
}

B. if (num % 2 === 0) {
console.log('Even');
} else {
console.log('Odd');
}

C. if (num % 2) {
console.log('Even');
} else {
console.log('Odd');
}

D. if (num / 2 === 0) {
console.log('Even');
} else {
console.log('Odd');
}

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand how to check even numbers

   A number is even if remainder when divided by 2 is zero: num % 2 === 0.

2. Step 2: Check each option's condition

   if (num % 2 === 0) { console.log('Even'); } else { console.log('Odd'); } correctly checks num % 2 === 0. Others either use wrong operator or logic.

3. Final Answer:

   if (num % 2 === 0) { console.log('Even'); } else { console.log('Odd'); } -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Even check uses num % 2 === 0 [OK]

Hint: Use modulo (%) to test evenness: zero remainder means even [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using division (/) instead of modulo (%)
• Checking if remainder is truthy instead of zero
• Reversing even and odd conditions