Switch Statement

The `switch` statement provides an alternative to a long `if-else if-else` chain when you need to check a single variable against a series of constant integer or character values. It can often make the code cleaner and more readable. The structure of a `switch` statement involves a control expression (the variable you're testing) and a series of `case` labels. The program evaluates the control expression and jumps to the `case` label whose value matches. The code following that `case` is then executed. A crucial component of the `switch` statement is the `break` keyword. When a `break` is encountered, it immediately exits the `switch` block. If you omit the `break` after a `case`, execution will 'fall through' to the next `case`'s code block, which is sometimes intended but often a source of bugs if done accidentally. You can also include a `default` label. The `default` block is executed if the control expression's value does not match any of the `case` labels. It serves a similar purpose to the final `else` in an `if-else if` chain. The `switch` statement is less flexible than `if-else` because it cannot handle ranges or complex boolean expressions; it only works with equality checks against constant integral types (like `int`, `char`, `enum`).