C++ Control Statements Explained by Our Online C++ Tutors

Control statements in C++ enhance the flow of the running program of a program and allow making decisions, looping and changing control in blocks of code. These statements determine the course of the program on some conditions, providing a well-organized and regulated stream of instructions.

 

What are C++ Control Statements?

C++ Control Statements play a central role in controlling program flow and facilitate decision-making, looping, and control change in code blocks. These expressions provide conditional statements, looping, and jumping statements, as they dictate the flow of a program. The conditional statements test conditions under which they are executed, the loops repeat statements some number of times depending on conditions, and the jump statements affect the control directly.

With the inclusion of these constructs, programmers are able to organise and control program execution depending on different conditions and criteria. It is important to learn and efficiently utilize these control statements as they form a core part in developing powerful and efficient C++ programs.

 

Types of Control Statements in C++

The control statements in C++ exist in numerous variants, and each variant performs a different role in the programs. These include conditional, looping and jump statements.

• Conditional Statements: These statements make use of block of codes that are executed under the set conditions and these include; code blocks such as; if, if-else, if-else-if and switch. They allow conditional execution, depending on different conditions.
• Looping Statements: Looping statements that repeat blocks of code are iterated in nature and keep looping until the required conditions have been met. Common loop constructs are 'for', 'while, and 'do-while' loops.
• Jump Statements: Jump statements give means of changing flow of control. They include break, continue and goto, which enables programmers to abandon loops, avoid executing code and to switch the control within a program. Understanding all these types of controls statements in C++ results in effective programming and sensible flow of controls in the code.

 

Syntax of Control Statements in C++

There are control statements in C++, used to organize programs that have the abilities to make decisions and iterations, control flow of a program. These statements differ in their forms and have different syntax and purposes.

• If Statement

The 'if' statement is a fundamental structure used for conditional control in C++. It executes a block of code if a specified condition is true.

The syntax for the 'if' statement is as follows:

if (condition) {
    // Code block to be executed if the condition is true
}

Conditional execution of a single condition can be performed using the 'if' statement. For instance:

int x = 10;
if (x > 5) {
    cout << "x is greater than 5" << endl;
}

• Switch Statement

The switch statement is useful in providing multiple routes of execution depending on the expression value or on the value variable. It decomposes a statement and send the program to the case that is applicable according to the value it is being tested.

This is the syntax of using the switch statement:

switch (expression) {
    case constant1:
        // Code block
        break;
    case constant2:
        // Code block
        break;
    default:
        // Default code block
}

The 'switch' statement offers a means of branching based on different cases.

For example:

int choice = 2;
switch (choice) {
    case 1:
        cout << "Selected option 1" << endl;
        break;
    case 2:
        cout << "Selected option 2" << endl;
        break;
    default:
        cout << "Selected another option" << endl;
}

• For Loop

The for loop will be used to replicate a certain set of line of instructions a specific number of times. It has three vital components namely initialization, condition, and increment/decrement.

The structure of the 'for' loop is showcased as follows:

for (initialization; condition; increment/decrement) {
    // Code block to be executed
}

The ‘for’ loop is commonly employed when walking through sequence of values. For example:

for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
    cout << i << " ";
}

• While Loop

The while loop is a reiterating block that keeps on executing till the occurrence of a given condition.

The 'while' loop syntax is showcased below:

while (condition) {
    // Code block to be executed
}

While loop performs an advantageous role when there is need to evaluate something prior to the action of a block of code:

int count = 0;
while (count < 5) {
    cout << count << " ";
    count++;
}

• Do-While Loop

Do-while loop may be said to repeat a block of code at a time or several times, then the condition is checked.

Here is an example of the structure of the do-while loop:

do {
    // Code block to be executed
} while (condition);

The 'do-while' loop guarantees that the code block executes at least once, regardless of the condition:

int num = 10;
do {
    cout << num << " ";
    num--;
} while (num > 0);

• Break Statement

The 'break' statement is utilized to exit from a loop or switch statement. It allows for an early exit from a loop's body.  

For example:

for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
    if (i == 3) {
        break; // Exit the loop when i equals 3
    }
    cout << i << " ";
}

• Continue Statement

The 'continue' statement is a measure to skip the succeeding partof a loop that is currently being executed under the loop that surrounded the statement.

For example:

for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
    if (i == 2) {
        continue; // Skip the current iteration when i equals 2
    }
    cout << i << " ";
}

• Goto Statement

The goto statement is utilised in the transfer of control within a label statement of a given function.

The syntax that can be applied in the use of statement of goto is as below::

goto label;
// ...
label:
// Code block

The 'goto' statement is not forbidden in C++, but it is mostly discouraged because it is quite possible to make programs logic and readability, which are more complex than can be done with the C++ statement. Loops and conditionals in other forms of structured control statements are preferred in most cases.

 

Conclusion

The control statements are important in creating effective and logical C++ programs. When you are having trouble with conditions, loops, or decision-making constructs, our C++ Programming Assignment Help service can get you out of trouble. Need help with similar topics in C? Our C Programming Assignment Help can simplify the learning process with expert support and clear code solutions.