View source for Conditional (computer programming)

[[File:If-Then-Else-diagram.svg.png|thumb|If Then Else diagram in [[UML]].]]In [[computer science]], '''conditional statements''', '''conditional expressions''' and '''conditional constructs''' are features of a [[programming language]], which perform different [[computations]] or actions depending on whether a programmer-specified [[boolean condition]] evaluates to true or false.

Apart from the case of [[branch predication]], this is always achieved by selectively altering the [[control flow]] based on some condition.

== Description ==

In [[imperative programming languages]], the term "conditional statement" is usually used, whereas in functional programming, the terms "conditional expression" or "conditional construct" are preferred, because these terms all have distinct meanings.

Although [[dynamic dispatch]] is not usually classified as a conditional construct, it is another way to select between alternatives at [[runtime]].

== Logic-grid method ==
[[File:IF-THEN-ELSE-END flowchart.svg.png|thumb|Flowchart showing typical If-Then-Else-End structure.  See [[Conditional (computer programming)]].]]
See [[Logic-grid conditional]].

== See also ==

* [[Boolean algebra]]
* [[Branch (computer science)]]
* [[Conditional compilation]]
* [[Conditional move]]
* [[Control flow]]
* [[Dynamic dispatch for another way to make execution choices]]
* [[Imperative programming language]]
* [[McCarthy Formalism for history and historical references]]
* [[Named condition]]
* [[Runtime]]
* [[Test (Unix)]]
* [[Yoda conditions]]

== External links ==

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conditional_(computer_programming) Conditional (computer programming)[[File:Example.jpg]]] @ Wikipedia


[[Category:Computer programming]]
[[Category:Computer science]]