if then else statement

views updated

if then else statement The most basic conditional construct in a programming language, allowing selection between two alternatives, dependent on the truth or falsity of a given condition. Most languages also provide an if … then construct to allow conditional execution of a single statement or group of statements. Primitive languages, such as Basic in its original form, restrict the facility to a conditional transfer of control, e.g.

“IF A = 0 THEN 330”

which is reminiscent of the conditional jump provided in the order code of every CPU. See also conditional.

More From encyclopedia.com