PHP Switch | How the Switch Statement Works in PHP

The PHP switch statement is multiple conditions to only execute one block if its condition generating a true boolean value.

The PHP switch can also be replaced of PHP Else if statement in the control flow. So when one condition is achieved, it will execute the block.

Anyway, to summarize that, the PHP switch contains unlimited cases which can set the value to comparing each case. So if it achieves the condition, it will execute the statements.

The PHP switch syntax would be like the following code.

switch($param) {
  case 'value':
  break;

  ...... multiple cases here
  default:
  // -- Default execution 
}

Basic Structure of PHP Switch Statement

The PHP switch statement is a predefined function, takes one parameter as a value, it is doing thing like a loop to check this value with a list of conditions.

<?php
  $number = 6;
  switch ( $number ) {
    case 1:
      echo "Number 1";
    break;

    case 2:
      echo "Number 2";
    break;
   
    case 3:
      echo "Number 3";
    break;
   
    default: 
     echo "Another Number";
  }
?>

In the below, you will see the components of the PHP switch statement.

The PHP switch is similar to if, else if, and else. It is doing the same job, but here it is using a predefined function and inside it doing conditions through a something called cases.

So switch ( $param ){ .. } can be written like this in if condition if ( $param ){ .. }. Its cases similar to else if ( $param ) { .. } condition.

Let’s compare if statement with switch statement by the following example.

The if statement shows you 5 cases.

<?php
  $value = 5;
  if ( $value == 1 ) {
    // ... Statements
  } else if ( $value == 2 ) {
    // ... Statements
  } else if ( $value == 3 ) {
    // ... Statements
  } else if ( $value == 5 ) {
    // ... Statements
  } else {
    // ... Statements
  } 
?>

And to do the same code in switch statement, follow the below code.

<?php
  $value = 5;
  switch ( $value ) {
    case 1:
      // ... Statements
    break;
    
    case 2:
      // ... Statements
    break;

    case 3:
      // ... Statements
    break;
    
    case 5: 
      // ... Statements
    break;
    
    default:
      // ... Statements
  } 
?>

Break with Switch Statement

The break in switch means to execute the current statements, then prevent the other pieces of code from the execution and exit the switch from the condition.

What will happen if there is a switch statement without a break statement?

<?php 
  $ct = 10;
  switch( $ct ) {

    case 1: // => will not execute this block 
      echo "Will not execute the line !";
      

    case 10: // => Execute this
      echo "Will execute the line ! \n";
      
                 
    case 3: // => Execute this
      echo "Will execute the line ! \n";
       

  }
?>

The condition will only start from the correct case, then execute the following cases. For more details, read the break tutorial.

Executing One Block for Two or More Switch Cases

To do that, follow the below code.

<?php 
  $ct = 10;
  switch( $ct ) {

    case 1:  
    case 10:  
    case 5:
      echo "Will execute this line !";
      break;
    
    case 11:
      echo "Will not execute this line ! \n";
      break;
    
  }
?>

Wrapping Up

The PHP switch seems to if condition but here it allows us to execute multiple conditions through cases, each one has a block of code.

The break statement to exit the switch condition at a specific point.

Similar Reads

PHP File Inclusion: require, include, require_once, include_once

PHP offers four main functions to include files: require, require_once, include, and include_once. Each one gives you a similar purpose…

PHP continue Statement: How to Skip Steps in Iteration

The PHP continue statement skips the rest of the loop in the current cycle. It jumps to the next cycle…

PHP Loop: How Loops Work with Examples

The PHP loop runs tasks without the need to write the same lines again.It lets you handle data step by…

History of PHP: From PHP/FI to Modern Web Development

You use PHP every day if you build websites, but most people do not know where it came from or…

PHP function_exists: Avoid Function Redeclaration

The function_exists() function in PHP checks whether a given function is defined or not. The function_exists() function works for both…

PHP Anonymous Function: How It Works with Examples

PHP anonymous function lets you define a small task that doesn't require giving the function a name. Understand the Anonymous…

Constants in PHP: How They Work & Examples

Constants in PHP store fixed values that don’t change during execution. We will cover the following topics in this article:…

Traits in PHP: What They Are & Examples

PHP introduced traits to solve a problem with code reuse. Before traits, developers used inheritance and interfaces to share functionality…

PHP $_COOKIE: Securely Store and Manage Data

Ever notice how some websites just seem to "know" you? That’s thanks to cookies! When you’re working with PHP, $_COOKIE becomes a…

PHP fwrite: How to Write Data to Files in PHP

actions, store settings, or even create log files for debugging. That’s where PHP fwrite comes in. It writes data to…

Previous Article

Mastering PHP's Do-While Loop: Examples and Explanation

Next Article

Understanding the PHP Operator Precedence

Write a Comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Subscribe to Get Updates

Get the latest updates on Coding, Database, and Algorithms straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.