Java Academy · Lesson

If Statements – Basics

Write decisions with if, else if, else. Combine comparisons with logical operators and avoid common mistakes.

Lesson 1 of 38 steps

If Statements – Basics is a free Java Academy lesson on CoddyKit. This is lesson 1 of 3. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Java Academy learning path, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app. The Java Academy course includes 3 lessons in total.

Decisions Overview

Decisions with if

Programs often need to choose a path based on data. In Java, if evaluates a boolean expression and executes a block when it is true.

Comparison: == != > < >= <=
Logical: && (and), || (or), ! (not)
Blocks are inside braces { }.

If Syntax

Basic syntax

The condition in parentheses must be true or false.

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int age = 18;

        if (age >= 18) {
            System.out.println("Adult");
        }
    }
}

If-Else Chain

if–else adds an alternative; else if chains multiple checks.

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int score = 85;

        if (score >= 90) {
            System.out.println("A");
        } else if (score >= 80) {
            System.out.println("B");
        } else {
            System.out.println("Try again");
        }
    }
}

Boolean Operators

Boolean operators

&& (and): both sides true
|| (or): at least one true
! (not): flips true/false

Example: if (age >= 18 && country.equals("TR"))

Pitfalls

Common mistakes

Using = instead of == in comparisons
Forgetting braces, so only one statement is controlled
Comparing strings with == instead of equals()

If Demo

Try it: Enter a score and see how the chain selects one branch. The boolean passed is computed with a comparison.

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    // Example score value without Scanner
    int score = 85;

    if (score >= 90) {
      System.out.println("Grade: A");
    } else if (score >= 80) {
      System.out.println("Grade: B");
    } else if (score >= 70) {
      System.out.println("Grade: C");
    } else if (score >= 60) {
      System.out.println("Grade: D");
    } else {
      System.out.println("Grade: F");
    }

    boolean passed = score >= 60;
    System.out.println("Passed: " + passed);
  }
}

Range Check

Quick check: Which condition checks that x is between 10 and 20 (inclusive)?

Answer it in the interactive lesson

Recap & Next

Recap: You wrote decisions with if/else, combined conditions with logical operators, and avoided common pitfalls.

Next: Practice with nested conditions and compare strings safely with equals().

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the “If Statements – Basics” lesson free?

Yes — the full text of “If Statements – Basics” is free to read here on the web. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Java Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO. The Java Academy course includes 3 lessons in total.

What will I learn in “If Statements – Basics”?

Write decisions with if, else if, else. Combine comparisons with logical operators and avoid common mistakes. You practise Java Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.

Do I need any experience to start Java Academy?

No prior experience is required. Java Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace. This is lesson 1 of 3.

How long does the “If Statements – Basics” lesson take?

Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.

Can I write and run code in this Java Academy lesson?

Yes. Every Java Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.

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