The else Statement

In the previous exercise we learned to use the if statement. Often though, we need to execute some code even when the condition is not met. This is where the else statement comes in.

Basic syntax:

if (condition) {
    // code that executes when the condition is true
} else {
    // code that executes when the condition is false
}

Usage examples:

int age = 15;

if (age >= 18) {
    std::cout << "You can drive a car" << std::endl;
} else {
    std::cout << "You cannot drive a car yet" << std::endl;
}

int points = 45;

if (points >= 50) {
    std::cout << "Test passed" << std::endl;
} else {
    std::cout << "Test failed" << std::endl;
}

/* 
Prints: 
You cannot drive a car yet
Test failed
*/

The else statement ensures that one of the code blocks always executes:

• Either the code in the if block executes (when the condition is true)
• Or the code in the else block executes (when the condition is false)