🟡 Control Flow · Lesson 16

switch-case Statement

What is switch-case Statement?

switch-case Statement
switch-case is useful when one variable is compared with many fixed values, such as menu choices, days, grades or options.

Level
🟡 Control Flow and Core Programming

Example File
switch-case.cpp

Main Focus
Concept + syntax + practical C++ program

Why should you learn this?

It helps you write correct and readable C++ programs.
It is used repeatedly in school practicals, projects and competitive programming.
It builds the base for advanced topics such as OOP, STL and data structures.

Important Terms

Term	Meaning / Use
switch	Switch used in switch-case Statement programming.
case	Case used in switch-case Statement programming.
break	Break used in switch-case Statement programming.
default	Default used in switch-case Statement programming.
menu	Menu used in switch-case Statement programming.

Syntax / Pattern

switch(choice) { case 1: ... break; default: ...; }

Example Program

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main(){
    int choice = 2;
    switch(choice){
        case 1: cout << "Add"; break;
        case 2: cout << "Subtract"; break;
        default: cout << "Invalid";
    }
    return 0;
}

Expected Output

Subtract

Program Explanation

choice is matched with case 2.
break prevents fall-through to next case.

Exam Tip: In C++ practical answers, write the logic first, then the program, then expected output. For theory, always include one suitable example.

Where will you use it?

menu programs
calculator
day/month selection

Common Mistakes

Forgetting break.
Using switch for range checks where if-else is better.

Practice Tasks

Make a menu for area calculation.
Use switch to print day name.

Summary

switch-case Statement is an important C++ topic. Learn the definition, understand the syntax, run the example program and then solve the practice tasks to make the concept strong.