# What are switch statements?

**`switch` (case) statements** are a block of code that acts in the same manner as an `if-else-if` ladder.

The `switch` statement matches the variable value against every `case` statement and returns the value accordingly. If there's no match, the `default` case executes.

The format is neater and easier to read than a block of multiple `if-else` statements.

# Syntax
```
switch(var)
{
    case 1:
        // code for case 1
        break;
    case 2:
        // code for case 2
        break;
    default:
        // code for default
}
```

> Note: The `break` statements at the end of the code for each branch are essential! If the `break` statement is missing, the subsequent case code blocks will start execution until the `switch` block has finished execution or until another `break` statement is encountered.

# Rules

1. The value provided in each case can be integers or characters.

2. Duplicate cases are not allowed.

3. The `default` case is optional and will only be executed when none of the cases are `true`. 

4. The `break` statement is not needed in the `default` case.

5. It is possible to nest `switch` statements, but it is not recommended as it may reduce the readability of the code.

# Code

Here is a code for a very simple calculator:

Please add a simple equation without white spaces as input, like: 4+2, 5-6, 3*3, 4/8, etc. 

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
  
  char op;
  int first;
  int second;
  int ans = -1;

  cout << "Please input first number: ";
  cin >> first;
  cout << first << endl;

  cout << "Please input operator (+,-,*,/): ";
  cin >> op;
  cout << op << endl;

  cout << "Please input second number: ";
  cin >> second;
  cout << second << endl;
  cout << "Equation: " << first << " " << op << " " << second << endl;
  switch(op)
  {
    case '+':
      ans = first + second;
      break;
    case '-':
      ans = first - second;
      break;
    case '*':
      ans = first * second;
      break;
    case '/':
      ans = first / second;
      break;
    default:
      cout << "Incorrect Operator" << endl;
  }

  cout << "the answer is: " << ans;


  return 0;
}

What is a switch statement in C++?

Switch statements in C++ evaluate variable values against cases, executing matched case code; break statements prevent fall-through.

What is a switch statement in C++?

What are switch statements?

Flowchart

Syntax

Rules

Code