Understanding the Switch-Case Structure

The switch-case structure allows us to execute different blocks of code based on the value of a variable or expression.

• Syntax:

  switch (expression) {
case value1:
// Statements
break;
case value2:
// Statements
break;
// More cases...
default:
// Default statements
}


• Example:

  int choice;

  printf("Enter a number (1-3): ");
  scanf("%d", &choice);

  switch (choice) {
case 1:
printf("You chose option 1.n");
break;
case 2:
printf("You chose option 2.n");
break;
case 3:
printf("You chose option 3.n");
break;
default:
printf("Invalid choice.n");
}


2: Implementing Switch-Case for Menu-Driven Programs

A common use case of switch-case in C is to implement menu-driven programs where users can choose different options.

• Example:

  #include <stdio.h>

  int main() {
  int choice;

  while (1) {
  printf("Menu:n");
  printf("1. Option 1n");
  printf("2. Option 2n");
  printf("3. Option 3n");
  printf("4. Exitn");
  printf("Enter your choice: ");
  scanf("%d", &choice);

  switch (choice) {
  case 1:
  printf("You chose Option 1.n");
  // Implement functionality for Option 1
  break;
  case 2:
  printf("You chose Option 2.n");
  // Implement functionality for Option 2
  break;
  case 3:
  printf("You chose Option 3.n");
  // Implement functionality for Option 3
  break;
  case 4:
  printf("Exiting...n");
  return 0;
  default:
  printf("Invalid choice. Please try again.n");
  }
  }

  return 0;
}


• Explanation:

  • The program displays a menu with options and prompts the user to enter a choice.
  • Based on the user’s input, the switch-case structure executes the corresponding block of code.
  • The default case handles invalid choices and prompts the user to try again.

3: Practice and Examples

• Practice Exercise:
  • Write a menu-driven program that performs basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) based on user input.
  • Use switch-case to implement different cases for each operation.

Switch-case statements are powerful tools for implementing menu-driven applications and handling multiple scenarios based on user input. Practice using switch-case structures to enhance your problem-solving skills in C programming.