if/else basics
Learn the basics of if/else conditions, truth checks, and nesting in Swift.
if/else basics is a free Swift 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 Swift Academy learning path, one of 3 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
Intro
if/else lets you run code based on conditions. Swift requires a Bool expression inside if.
Simple if
A simple if runs its block when the condition is true.
let age = 20
if age >= 18 {
print("Adult")
}if/else
if/else executes one branch or the other, never both.
let score = 45
if score >= 50 {
print("Pass")
} else {
print("Fail")
}else if chain
Use else if for multiple ranges. Only the first true branch runs.
let temp = 5
if temp > 25 {
print("Hot")
} else if temp > 10 {
print("Mild")
} else {
print("Cold")
}Nesting
You can nest if statements, but guard/early-exit is often cleaner.
let isMember = true
let balance = 20
if isMember {
if balance >= 10 {
print("Discount applied")
}
}Tips
Tips:
- Conditions must be Bool, not Int.
- Use braces even for one-liners for clarity.
- Avoid deep nesting by using guard or early returns.
If skip behavior
Quick check: What happens if an if condition is false with no else?
Recap
Recap: Use if/else to branch. Conditions must be Bool. Chains and nesting are possible, but keep logic simple.
Frequently asked questions
Is the “if/else basics” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “if/else basics” is free to read here on the web, and the Swift 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 Swift Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “if/else basics”?
Learn the basics of if/else conditions, truth checks, and nesting in Swift. You practise Swift 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 Swift Academy?
No prior experience is required. Swift 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/else 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 Swift Academy lesson?
Yes. Every Swift 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.