---
title: 4.1 if Statement
description: "The `if` statement is the simplest decision-making statement in C++. It evaluates a Boolean expression and executes a block of code only when the expression evaluates to `true`. If the condition evaluates to `false`, the controlled statement is skipped. The…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/decision-making/4-1-if-statement/"
updated: "2026-09-06"
category: C++ Programming / Decision Making
---

# 4.1 if Statement

The `if` statement is the simplest decision-making statement in C++. It evaluates a Boolean expression and executes a block of code only when the expression evaluates to `true`. If the condition evaluates to `false`, the controlled statement is skipped.

The `if` statement is commonly used to perform actions based on user input, comparison results, or the state of a program.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    int number = 15;

    if (number > 10)
    {
        std::cout << "Number is greater than 10.n";
    }

    std::cout << "Program completed.n";

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Number is greater than 10.
Program completed.
```

## Explanation

- The `if` statement evaluates a condition enclosed within parentheses.
- The condition `number > 10` compares the value of `number` with `10`.
- If the condition evaluates to `true`, the statements enclosed within the braces are executed.
- If the condition evaluates to `false`, the statements inside the `if` block are skipped.
- Curly braces (`{}`) define the block of statements controlled by the `if` statement.
- Execution continues with the statement following the `if` block regardless of whether the condition is true or false.
- The `if` statement is used when an action should be performed only if a specific condition is satisfied.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.