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Python Control Flow (if-else, switch) Exercises


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Python Control Flow (if-else, switch) Practice Questions

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Which of the following statements is true about an if statement in Python?


  • An if statement is a conditional statement.
  • It evaluates the given condition:
    • If True, the indented block of code runs.
    • If False, the code block is skipped.

Example:

x = 10
if x > 5:
    print("x is greater than 5")

Output:

x is greater than 5
  • Option 2: Incorrect, ignores the condition.
  • Option 3: False — that would be handled by else.
  • Option 4: Incorrect — repeating code is done using loops (for, while).

Quick Recap of Python Control Flow (if-else, switch) Concepts

If you are not clear on the concepts of Control Flow (if-else, switch), you can quickly review them here before practicing the exercises. This recap highlights the essential points and logic to help you solve problems confidently.

Python Control Flow — if, elif, else, and match

Control flow in Python allows your programs to make decisions and execute different blocks of code based on conditions. Using statements like if, elif, else, and the newer match statement, you can handle multiple scenarios, process input intelligently, and control how your program responds to different situations.

Understanding control flow is essential for writing programs that can respond dynamically, process data intelligently, and behave differently based on user input or internal logic.

Conditional Statements: if, elif, else

These statements allow your Python program to make decisions based on conditions.

StatementPurposeTypical Use Case
ifExecutes a block if the condition is TrueBasic decision-making, e.g., “is a number positive?”
elifExecutes another block if previous if/elif conditions were FalseMultiple related checks, e.g., grading or category assignment
elseExecutes if all previous conditions were FalseDefault or fallback case

Example:

age = 18

if age < 13:
    print("Child")
elif age < 20:
    print("Teenager")
else:
    print("Adult")

Python Alternatives to Switch Statements

Python does not have a traditional switch … case statement. Similar behavior can be achieved with:

  • if / elif / else chains — simple and widely used.
  • match / case statement (Python 3.10+) — pattern matching for cleaner, maintainable code.
  • Dictionary mapping or function dispatching — maps input values to functions or outcomes.

Example using match:

value = 2

match value:
    case 1:
        print("Option 1 selected")
    case 2:
        print("Option 2 selected")
    case _:
        print("Default option")

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

TipExplanation
IndentationIncorrect indentation can break logic or execute unintended code.
Use elifInstead of multiple independent if statements for the same variable — avoids unnecessary checks.
Use else as defaultAlways place else after all if and elif blocks.
Consider match or dictionary mappingFor multiple discrete values, these improve readability and maintainability compared to long if/elif chains.
Test conditions carefullyEnsures logic works as intended, especially in nested or complex conditions.

Why Control Flow Is Important

  • Without control flow, programs execute sequentially with no decisions or flexibility.
  • Control flow enables dynamic behavior, allowing programs to react to user input or internal data.
  • Clear use of if, elif, else, and match makes code readable and easier to maintain.
  • Mastering control flow is essential before learning advanced topics like loops, functions, and exception handling.


About This Exercise: Python Control Flow Exercises

Welcome to Solviyo’s Python Control Flow exercises, where you will learn how to guide your program’s logic using if-else statements and Pythonic alternatives to switch-case. Control flow is essential for making decisions in your code, allowing programs to respond differently depending on conditions. These exercises are designed to help you master decision-making structures in Python from the basics to practical, real-world applications.

What You Will Learn

In this set of Python Control Flow exercises, you will explore:

  • Using if, elif, and else statements to handle multiple conditions.
  • Writing nested conditions for complex decision-making scenarios.
  • Implementing switch-like logic in Python using dictionaries, functions, and pattern matching.
  • Applying control flow to real-world problems, such as grade calculation, menu-driven programs, and simple calculators.
  • Identifying and avoiding common mistakes in decision structures.
  • Writing clean, maintainable, and efficient control flow code.

Why Learning Python Control Flow Matters

Control flow is a fundamental concept in Python programming. Mastering if-else statements and alternatives to switch allows you to create programs that can make intelligent decisions, respond to user input, and adapt to different situations. Understanding control flow is also crucial for advanced programming topics, problem-solving, and coding interviews.

Start Practicing Python Control Flow Today

By completing these exercises, you will gain confidence in implementing decision-making logic in Python. Each exercise includes detailed explanations to help you understand the reasoning behind solutions and avoid common pitfalls. Start practicing Python Control Flow exercises now, and build a strong foundation for writing logical, interactive, and dynamic Python programs.