A C# switch statement allows a variable to be tested for equality against a list of values. Each value is called a case, and the variable being switched on is checked for each switch case.
Syntax C# Switch Statement
The syntax for a switch statement in C# is as follows −
switch(expression) {
case constant-expression1 :
statement(s);
break;
case constant-expression2 :
case constant-expression3 :
statement(s);
break;
/* you can have any number of case statements */
default : /* Optional */
statement(s);
}
The following rules apply to a switch statement −
- The expression used in a switch statement must have an integral or enumerated type, or be of a class type in which the class has a single conversion function to an integral or enumerated type.
- You can have any number of case statements within a switch. Each case is followed by the value to be compared to and a colon.
- The constant-expression for a case must be the same data type as the variable in the switch, and it must be a constant or a literal.
- When the variable being switched on is equal to a case, the statements following that case will execute until a break statement is reached.
- When a break statement is reached, the switch terminates, and the flow of control jumps to the next line following the switch statement.
- Not every case needs to contain a break. If no break appears, then it will raise a compile time error.
- A switch statement can have an optional default case, which must appear at the end of the switch. The default case can be used for performing a task when none of the cases is true.
Flow Diagram
Example
using System;
namespace DecisionMaking {
class Program {
static void Main(string[] args) {
/* local variable definition */
char grade = 'B';
switch (grade) {
case 'A':
Console.WriteLine("Excellent!");
break;
case 'B':
case 'C':
Console.WriteLine("Well done");
break;
case 'D':
Console.WriteLine("You passed");
break;
case 'F':
Console.WriteLine("Better try again");
break;
default:
Console.WriteLine("Invalid grade");
break;
}
Console.WriteLine("Your grade is {0}", grade);
Console.ReadLine();
}
}
}
When the above code is compiled and executed, it produces the following result −
Well done Your grade is B
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