AP® Computer Science A glossary

if statement

Also called: one-way selection

Course: AP® Computer Science A Shows up in: Unit 2: Selection and Iteration

A selection statement that runs its body only when its Boolean expression is true, changing the flow of control.

Appears in the course and exam description (CED): 2.3.A.22.3.A.3

Always use braces: without them, only the next single statement belongs to the if. A semicolon right after the condition gives the if an empty body.

int battery = 15;
if (battery < 20) {
    System.out.println("Low battery");
}

Output:

Low battery

Related terms

• if-else statement
• Multiway selection
• Nested if statement
• Boolean expression