1. Home
  2. C-plus-plus
  3. C++ Switch

 C++ Switch C-PLUS-PLUS

C++ Switch  


C++ Switch

C++ Switch Statements

Use the switch statement to select one of many code blocks to be executed.

Syntax

switch(expression) {
  case x:
    // code block
    break;
  case y:
    // code block
    break;
  default:
    // code block
}

This is how it works:

  • The switch expression is evaluated once
  • The value of the expression is compared with the values of each case
  • If there is a match, the associated block of code is executed
  • The break and default keywords are optional and will be described later in this chapter

 

Example

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
  int day = 4;
  switch (day) {
  case 1:
    cout << "Monday";
    break;
  case 2:
    cout << "Tuesday";
    break;
  case 3:
    cout << "Wednesday";
    break;
  case 4:
    cout << "Thursday";
    break;
  case 5:
    cout << "Friday";
    break;
  case 6:
    cout << "Saturday";
   break;
  case 7:
    cout << "Sunday";
    break;
  }
  return 0;
}
 

Output:

Thursday

The break Keyword

When C++ reaches a break keyword, it breaks out of the switch block. This will stop the execution of more code and case testing inside the block.

When a match is found, and the job is done, it's time for a break. There is no need for more testing. A break can save a lot of execution time because it "ignores" the execution of all the rest of the code in the switch block.

The default Keyword

The default keyword specifies some code to run if there is no case match. Let's discuss this with an example.

Example

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
  int day = 4;
  switch (day) {
    case 6:
      cout << "Today is Saturday";
      break;
    case 7:
      cout << "Today is Sunday";
      break;
    default:
      cout << "Looking forward to the Weekend";
  }
  return 0;
}
 

Output:

Looking forward to the Weekend

Note: The default keyword must be used as the last statement in the switch, and it does not need a break.

Download free E-book of C-PLUS-PLUS

#askProgrammers
Learn Programming for Free

Join Programmers Community on Telegram

Talk with Experienced Programmers

Just drop a message, we will solve your queries