If Statements – Basics
Write decisions with if, else if, else. Combine comparisons with logical operators and avoid common mistakes.
If Statements – Basics is a free Java Academy lesson on CoddyKit — 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, one of 3 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
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 ofequals()
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)?
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().
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, and the Java Academy course includes 3 lessons in total. 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.
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; this is — lesson 1 of 3, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
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.
All lessons in this course
- If Statements – Basics
- If Statements – Practice & Nested
- Common Pitfalls & Debugging Messages