Lesson 6 / 27

if and switch

Explain if and switch, test a small program, and use the result to build confidence.

The essential idea

if and switch becomes clear when you identify its job before memorising syntax. In Go, small explicit pieces combine into programs that are easy to read, build, and change.

See the Go path

Keep the path from source file to compiled program in mind as you learn this part.

Go source code moving through the go tool to a running program.
Figure 3.1 — A small Go idea fits into the build path.

A useful habit

Do not copy a solution blindly. For if and switch, change one value, run go test or go run, and explain why the result changed.

Quick check

Quick check: How should you learn if and switch?

  • Run one focused example and inspect the result.
  • Memorize it without writing code.
  • Skip compiler and test feedback.
Answer

Run one focused example and inspect the result. — Small experiments reveal cause and effect.