Java Fundamentals · Conditionals & Switch · Lesson 12 of 22

Switch Statements

Concept

Switch Statements

A switch statement is a clean way to handle many possible exact-match values for one variable, using break to stop falling through to the next case.

By the end of this lesson

Explain the core idea behind Switch Statements.
Predict output before running a change.
Test one realistic and one unusual input.
Use the result to make the next decision.

How to study this page

1. Read one concept.
2. Change the example.
3. Run, compare, and explain.
4. Complete the challenge below.

ExampleRunnable

int day = 2;
switch (day) {
    case 1:
        System.out.println("Monday");
        break;
    case 2:
        System.out.println("Tuesday");
        break;
    default:
        System.out.println("Another day");
}

Try it Yourself »

Self-check before continuing

Without looking at the example, describe what changes when you modify one input in Switch Statements. Then reopen the editor and prove your explanation with a small test.

You are ready to continue when you can predict, test, and explain the result.

Your turn

Write a switch statement that prints a season name based on a month number.

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Console

Output will appear here...