What is the difference between switch statements and if-else statements?

What is the difference between switch statements and if-else statements?

Switch statements and if-else statements are both used for conditional execution in programming. The main difference is that switch statements are generally more efficient for multiple discrete values, while if-else is more flexible for complex conditions.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! For a switch statement, you might use it to handle different cases for a variable like 'day of the week'. An if-else statement could be used to check if a number is positive, negative, or zero.

When should I use one over the other?

Use switch statements when you have a single variable that can take on multiple specific values. Use if-else when you need to evaluate complex conditions or ranges.

Are there any performance differences?

Yes, switch statements can be more efficient than if-else chains for many cases, especially when dealing with a large number of conditions, as they can be optimized by the compiler.