Branching and Loops
Java provides if/else, switch, for, enhanced for, while, and do-while. Modern Java also supports switch expressions, which can return a value.
int score = 82;
String result = switch (score / 10) {
case 10, 9 -> "Excellent";
case 8 -> "Good";
case 7 -> "Average";
default -> "Needs improvement";
};
for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
System.out.println(i);
}
Prefer the construct that expresses intent most clearly. Enhanced for is ideal for straightforward iteration. Streams are useful when the operation is naturally a data transformation pipeline; they are not automatically better than a loop.
Key Takeaways
- Use switch expressions when a branch naturally produces a value.
- Enhanced
forimproves readability for collection traversal. - Choose loops and streams based on clarity and semantics.