If... (Conditionals)

Use if when you want to ask the computer a question. In Java, you use both parentheses () and braces {}.

Ask a question

int energy = 100;

if (energy > 50) {
    System.out.println("I feel great!");
}

Translation:

Remember that energy is 100.

If (energy is greater than 50) {
    print "I feel great!" and move to the next line;
}

The question goes inside (), and the actions go inside {}.

Otherwise? (else)

If the question is false, use else.

if (energy > 50) {
    System.out.println("Feeling awesome!");
} else {
    System.out.println("A bit sleepy...");
}

Translation:

Remember that energy is 100.

If (energy is greater than 50) {
    print "Feeling awesome!" and move to the next line;
} otherwise {
    print "A bit sleepy..." and move to the next line;
}

Ask multiple questions (else if)

If you have multiple situations, you can ask another question.

if (energy > 80) {
    System.out.println("Overflowing with energy!");
} else if (energy > 40) {
    System.out.println("Feeling okay.");
} else {
    System.out.println("Too tired...");
}

Translation:

If (energy is greater than 80) { ... }
Otherwise, if (energy is greater than 40) { ... }
Otherwise { ... }

Recap

• ( ) after if is the question
• { } is the block of actions
• The question ends when the braces close

Now you have given Java the ability to make decisions.