# Conditionals — Core Java

Source: https://www.geekswithgeeks.com/en/core-java/java-conditionals

> Branch with if / else if / else, the ternary operator, and modern switch expressions that return a value and require no break.

## if / else if / else

Conditions must be `boolean` — Java will not treat `0` or `null` as false. The ternary `cond ? a : b` is an expression that yields a value.

```java
int score = 72;
String grade = score >= 60 ? "pass" : "fail";
if (score >= 90) System.out.println("A");
else if (score >= 75) System.out.println("B");
else System.out.println("C");
```

## switch expressions

Modern `switch` (Java 14+) uses `->` arms, needs no `break`, and can return a value. It also requires you to cover every case (or add `default`).

```java
String kind = switch (day) {
    case SATURDAY, SUNDAY -> "weekend";
    case MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY -> "weekday";
};
```