else

The else Statement

The else statement lets you run a block of code when the condition in the if statement is false.

Syntax

if (condition) {
  // block of code to be executed if the condition is true
} else {
  // block of code to be executed if the condition is false
}

Think of it like real life: If it rains, bring an umbrella. Otherwise (else), go outside without one:

Example

boolean isRaining = false;

if (isRaining) {
  System.out.println("Bring an umbrella!");
} else {
  System.out.println("No rain today, no need for an umbrella!");
}

Since isRaining is false, the condition inside the if statement is not met. That means the if block is skipped, and the else block runs instead, printing "No rain today, no need for an umbrella!".

Another Example

This example says good day or good evening depending on the time:

Example

int time = 20;

if (time < 18) {
  System.out.println("Good day.");
} else {
  System.out.println("Good evening.");
}
// Outputs "Good evening."

Example explained

In the example above, time (20) is greater than 18, so the condition is false. Because of this, we move on to the else condition and print to the screen "Good evening". If the time was less than 18, the program would print "Good day".

Note: Notes else does not have a condition - it runs when the if condition is false. Do not put a semicolon right after if (condition). That would end the statement early and make else behave unexpectedly.