Enhanced Switch Statement

How to Optimize a Switch Statement?

Just like the if-statement has the ternary operator, the switch-statement has an enhanced version called the enhanced switch. Let's take a look at the syntax right away:

Main


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switch (variable) {
    case value1 -> {
        // code block
    }
    case value2 -> {
        // code block
    }
    // additional cases
    default -> {
        // code block
    }
}

The enhanced switch statement uses a simplified syntax with -> instead of case and break. It allows you to write concise code blocks for each case directly without the need for explicit break statements.

Let's take a look at an example of using a switch statement. First, let's see a regular switch statement:

Main


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package com.example;

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int a = 10;
        switch (a) {
            case 5:
                System.out.println("five");
                break;
            case 0:
                System.out.println("zero");
                break;
            case 10:
                System.out.println("ten");
                break;
            default:
                System.out.println("no value");
                break;
        }
    }
}

Now let's replace it with the enhanced version to see the difference:

Main


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package com.example;

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int a = 10;
        switch (a) {
            case 5 -> {
                System.out.println("five");
            }
            case 0 -> {
                System.out.println("zero");
            }
            case 10 -> {
                System.out.println("ten");
            }
            default -> {
                System.out.println("no value");
            }
        }
    }
}

As you can see, the syntax has changed, and the code has become shorter. Additionally, we no longer need to explicitly write the break keyword; the compiler now understands that it should stop executing the switch statement after matching one of the cases.

In this way, we can simplify our switch statement and write professional code.

1. What is the case syntax of enhanced `Switch` statement?

2. Do we need to use ``break;`` keyword with enhanced switch?

Everything was clear?

Thanks for your feedback!

Section 1. Chapter 7