---
title: "4.2 if-else Statement"
description: "The `if-else` statement provides two alternative execution paths. The `if` block is executed when its condition evaluates to `true`; otherwise, the `else` block is executed. This allows a program to perform one action when a condition is satisfied and a…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/decision-making/4-2-if-else-statement/"
updated: "2026-09-06"
category: C++ Programming / Decision Making
---

# 4.2 if-else Statement

The `if-else` statement provides two alternative execution paths. The `if` block is executed when its condition evaluates to `true`; otherwise, the `else` block is executed.

This allows a program to perform one action when a condition is satisfied and a different action when it is not.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    int number = 7;

    if (number % 2 == 0)
    {
        std::cout << "Number is even.\n";
    }
    else
    {
        std::cout << "Number is odd.\n";
    }

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Number is odd.
```

## Explanation

- The `if` statement evaluates the condition `number % 2 == 0`.
- The modulus operator (`%`) calculates the remainder when `number` is divided by `2`.
- If the remainder is `0`, the condition evaluates to `true`, and the `if` block is executed.
- If the condition evaluates to `false`, the `else` block is executed.
- The `else` statement does not have a condition of its own; it represents the alternative execution path.
- Only one of the two blocks is executed for a given evaluation of the `if-else` statement.
- Curly braces (`{}`) define the statements belonging to each branch.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.