else and else if · Java Conditions in Java | Java

if...else

Example

else runs when the condition is false.

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int age = 16;
        if (age >= 18) {
            System.out.println("You can vote.");
        } else {
            System.out.println("You can vote in " + (18 - age) + " years.");
        }
    }
}

Output

You can vote in 2 years.

else if Chains

Example

Conditions are checked from top to bottom. The first true one runs and the rest are skipped.

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int[] allMarks = {95, 82, 67, 45, 30};
        for (int marks : allMarks) {
            String grade;
            if (marks >= 90) {
                grade = "A+";
            } else if (marks >= 75) {
                grade = "A";
            } else if (marks >= 60) {
                grade = "B";
            } else if (marks >= 40) {
                grade = "C";
            } else {
                grade = "Fail";
            }
            System.out.println(marks + " -> " + grade);
        }
    }
}

Output

95 -> A+
82 -> A
67 -> B
45 -> C
30 -> Fail

Tip: Order matters: put the most specific (highest) condition first. If marks >= 40 came first, 95 would get grade C.

Practice

Exercise: Write code that prints "Positive", "Negative" or "Zero" for an int n.

Show answer

if (n > 0) {
    System.out.println("Positive");
} else if (n < 0) {
    System.out.println("Negative");
} else {
    System.out.println("Zero");
}