---
title: 4.5 switch Statement
description: "The `switch` statement provides a multi-way selection mechanism based on the value of an expression. It compares the expression against a sequence of `case` labels and executes the statements associated with the matching label. The `break` statement is commonly used…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/decision-making/4-5-switch-statement/"
updated: "2026-09-06"
category: C++ Programming / Decision Making
---

# 4.5 switch Statement

The `switch` statement provides a multi-way selection mechanism based on the value of an expression. It compares the expression against a sequence of `case` labels and executes the statements associated with the matching label.

The `break` statement is commonly used to terminate a `case` and prevent execution from continuing into the following cases. A `default` label can be used to handle values that do not match any of the specified cases.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    int day = 3;

    switch (day)
    {
        case 1:
            std::cout << "Monday\n";
            break;

        case 2:
            std::cout << "Tuesday\n";
            break;

        case 3:
            std::cout << "Wednesday\n";
            break;

        case 4:
            std::cout << "Thursday\n";
            break;

        default:
            std::cout << "Invalid day\n";
            break;
    }

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Wednesday
```

## Explanation

- The `switch` statement evaluates the expression `day`.
- Each `case` label specifies a possible value that can match the `switch` expression.
- When the value of `day` matches `case 3`, the statements associated with that case are executed.
- The `break` statement terminates the `switch` statement and transfers execution to the statement following it.
- Without `break`, execution can continue into subsequent `case` labels. This behavior is known as **fallthrough**.
- The `default` label is executed when none of the `case` labels match the value of the `switch` expression.
- A `switch` statement is useful when selecting between multiple discrete constant values.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.