Ruby If, Else If Command Syntax

The Ruby programming language has a very simple and elegant control structure that is easy to read and follow. Understanding the syntax of if, elsif, and else commands is fundamental for writing effective Ruby code.

If Syntax

The basic if statement checks a condition, and executes the code block if the condition is true.

if var == 10
  print "Variable is 10"
end

If Else Syntax

The if else statement allows you to execute alternative code when the condition is false.

if var == 10
  print "Variable is 10"
else
  print "Variable is something else"
end

If Else If Syntax (elsif)

Ruby uses elsif (without the 'e' in else) instead of the common "else if" found in other languages. This allows multiple conditions to be checked sequentially.

if var == 10
  print "Variable is 10"
elsif var == 20
  print "Variable is 20"
else
  print "Variable is something else"
end

Ternary (Shortened If Statement) Syntax

The ternary operator is a concise way to write simple if else statements in one line.

print "The variable is " + (var == 10 ? "10" : "Not 10")

Tips for Using If Statements in Ruby

• Remember that elsif replaces "else if" from other languages.
• Use proper indentation to keep your code readable.
• Test conditions carefully to avoid unexpected results.

Conclusion

Mastering the if, elsif, and else control structures in Ruby is essential for writing clean and efficient code. This simple yet powerful syntax allows you to handle multiple decision paths smoothly.