JavaControl Statements

Introduction to Control Statements

Understand what control statements are in Java, why they are needed, and how they control program flow using conditions and loops.

Java Control StatementsLink to this section

Control statements in Java are used to control the flow of execution of a program. By default, Java executes statements sequentially from top to bottom, but control statements allow developers to change this normal flow.

They make programs smarter by enabling decision making, repetition, and branching.

Why Control Statements Are NeededLink to this section

Real-world programs must make decisions and repeat tasks. For example:

  • Checking if a user is eligible to vote
  • Repeating a task until a condition is met
  • Executing different code based on user input

Control statements make such logic possible in Java.

Types of Control Statements in JavaLink to this section

Java provides three main types of control statements:

  • Decision Making Statements
  • Looping Statements
  • Branching Statements

Decision Making StatementsLink to this section

p> Decision making statements execute code based on conditions. They evaluate a boolean expression and decide which block of code should run.

tip

Decision statements always work with conditions that return true or false.

Looping StatementsLink to this section

Looping statements are used when a block of code needs to be executed multiple times.

Common looping statements:
  • for loop
  • while loop
  • do-while loop

note

Loops help reduce code duplication and improve efficiency.

Branching StatementsLink to this section

Branching statements are used to jump from one part of the program to another.

Common branching statements:
  • break
  • continue
  • return

warning

Improper use of branching statements can make code difficult to understand.
Introduction to Control Statements
Question 1 of 5

What is the main purpose of control statements in Java?

Introduction to Control Statements

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  2. Write a program that checks whether a number is positive or negative using an if statement.
  3. Create a loop that prints numbers from 1 to 10.
  4. Write a program that stops a loop when a specific number is encountered using break.
  5. Identify which control statement is best for checking multiple fixed values and explain why.
  6. Convert a real-life decision (like traffic signal rules) into Java control statements.