What does the switch statement in JavaScript do?

Answer 1

The JavaScript switch statement is nothing more than a easy replacement for a series of if-then-else statements. Here's an example.

var chicken;

switch( chicken ) {

case "fried":

console.log('Fried chicken!');

break;

case "fricassee":

console.log('Fricassee!!!!!!!!');

break;

case "egg":

console.log('Which came first?');

break;

default:

console.log( 'With its head cut off.' );

}//end switch

This statement takes a variable, then compares it to the values of each "case." When it finds a matchin value, it executes the code in that case statement. It will execute until it hits the "break" statement, so if you skip a break, then the code will continue straight through.

This is the same structure as:

if ( chicken "egg" ){

console.log('Which came first?')

}else{

console.log( 'With its head cut off.' );

}

As you can see, the switch statement is simpler, easier to read, and easier to maintain.

Answer 2

If in Java in serves switching between cases.