Chapter 4: Problem 19

What does the case structure test, in order to determine which set of statements to execute?

Short Answer

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Answer: A case structure test, also known as a switch statement, is a control flow statement that allows a variable to be tested for equality against a list of values, called cases. It helps in determining which set of statements to execute by comparing the variable to each case in order and executing the statements associated with the matching case. This allows organized and efficient handling of multiple cases for a single variable, keeping the code clean and easy to understand.

Step by step solution

1. Understand the case structure test

A case structure test, also known as a switch statement, is a control flow statement that allows a variable to be tested for equality against a list of values. Each value is called a case, and the variable being tested against these values can only have one case, which can be evaluated as true. Once a true case is found, the set of statements associated with that case is executed, and the entire case structure test is exited.

2. Identify the variable and cases

To start using a case structure test, identify the variable to be tested and the set of values (cases) it can be compared against. Each case should have a unique value, and there should be a set of statements to execute for that particular case.

3. Implement the case structure test

In most programming languages, the case structure test can be implemented using a switch statement. Here's a general syntax for a switch statement: ``` switch (variable) { case value1: // statements for case 1 break; case value2: // statements for case 2 break; ... default: // statements for the default case, if none of the cases match. } ``` When the variable matches one of the case values, the respective statements are executed, and the switch statement exits because of the break statement. If none of the cases match, the default case is executed.

4. Determine the execution path

The case structure test will compare the variable to each case in order, and once a matching case is found, the associated statements are executed. Then, the switch statement is exited, and the program continues with the following code.

5. Use break or continue statements as needed

In most languages, it's crucial to include break or continue statements after each case's statements, to exit the switch statement once a case has been executed. This prevents the program from executing the statements of other cases that follow the case that was matched. Not including a break statement can lead to unintended behavior, such as executing multiple cases at once ('falling through'). In summary, a case structure test determines which set of statements to execute based on the value of a variable and a list of cases. It allows organized and efficient handling of multiple cases for a single variable and keeps the code clean and easy to understand.

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What does the case structure test, in order to determine which set of statements to execute?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Understand the case structure test

2. Identify the variable and cases

3. Implement the case structure test

4. Determine the execution path

5. Use break or continue statements as needed

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