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"The switch statement provides a cleaner way to handle multiple conditions than multiple if-else statements."

What is a Switch Statement?

The switch statement allows a variable to be tested for equality against multiple cases. Each case has a block of code that executes if the case matches the variable.

Syntax of Switch Statement

switch(expression) {
case value1:
	// Code to execute if expression == value1
	break;
case value2:
	// Code to execute if expression == value2
	break;
...
default:
	// Code to execute if no case matches
}

Flowchart of Switch Statement

The flowchart below explains how the switch statement works:

• The expression inside switch is evaluated.
• If it matches a case, that block of code runs.
• If no case matches, the default block (if provided) runs.
• The break statement exits the switch after executing a case.

Example: Simple Switch Statement

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
int choice;
printf("Enter a number (1-3): ");
scanf("%d", &choice);

switch(choice) {
	case 1:
		printf("You selected One.\n");
		break;
	case 2:
		printf("You selected Two.\n");
		break;
	case 3:
		printf("You selected Three.\n");
		break;
	default:
		printf("Invalid choice!\n");
}
return 0;
}

Example: Switch with Character Input

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
char grade;
printf("Enter your grade (A, B, C, D, F): ");
scanf(" %c", &grade);

switch(grade) {
	case 'A':
		printf("Excellent!\n");
		break;
	case 'B':
		printf("Good job!\n");
		break;
	case 'C':
		printf("You passed.\n");
		break;
	case 'D':
		printf("Try harder.\n");
		break;
	case 'F':
		printf("Failed. Study more!\n");
		break;
	default:
		printf("Invalid grade.\n");
}
return 0;
}

Example: Switch Without Break (Fall Through)

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
int num = 2;

switch(num) {
	case 1:
		printf("Case 1\n");
	case 2:
		printf("Case 2\n");
	case 3:
		printf("Case 3\n");
	default:
		printf("Default case\n");
}
return 0;
}

Key Concepts in Switch Statement

Best Practices for Using Switch Statement

• Always use break to prevent fall-through unless explicitly needed.
• Use default to handle unexpected values.
• Switch works only with integers and characters (not floating points).

Example: Using Enum with Switch

#include <stdio.h>

enum Days { SUNDAY, MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY };

int main() {
enum Days today = WEDNESDAY;

switch(today) {
	case SUNDAY:
		printf("It's a holiday!\n");
		break;
	case MONDAY:
		printf("Start of the workweek.\n");
		break;
	case WEDNESDAY:
		printf("Midweek!\n");
		break;
	case FRIDAY:
		printf("Weekend is near!\n");
		break;
	default:
		printf("Just another day.\n");
}
return 0;
}

Conclusion

The switch statement is useful for handling multiple conditions in a structured way. It improves readability and reduces the complexity of multiple if-else statements. Mastering it will help you write efficient C programs! 🚀

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