PHP switch Statement

The switch statement in PHP is a control structure used to execute different blocks of code based on the value of a variable or expression. It is similar to a series of if...elseif...else statements but is often used when you want to compare the same variable or expression against multiple possible values.

Syntax of the switch Statement

switch (expression) {
    case value1:
        // Code to be executed if expression equals value1
        break;
    case value2:
        // Code to be executed if expression equals value2
        break;
    case value3:
        // Code to be executed if expression equals value3
        break;
    default:
        // Code to be executed if none of the cases match
}

Explanation:

• switch (expression): This is the value or expression to be compared.
• case value:: If the value of expression matches value, the associated block of code is executed.
• break;: This exits the switch block after a matching case is found and its code has been executed, preventing subsequent case blocks from running.
• default:: This block executes if none of the case values match the expression.

The break Keyword

• break; is used to exit a loop or switch block immediately.
• It is commonly used in loops and switch statements to prevent further execution once a condition is met.

The default Keyword

The default keyword in PHP is used in a switch statement to specify the block of code that should be executed if none of the case values match the evaluated expression.

default Placed Elsewhere

Although not common practice, the default block can be placed anywhere within a switch structure. PHP will execute the default block if no matching case values are found, regardless of its position.