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 fread Function: How to Read Files in PHP

In some cases, you need to handle a lot of data or simply try to open a file, or read…

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 DOMDocument: XML DOM Parser Guide

In PHP, if you're working with XML files, you’ll probably work with DOMDocument. It is a powerful class, enabling you…

PHP Syntax: Standard Tags, Echo, and Short Tags

Understanding PHP syntax is like the basics of any language—PHP syntax defines the rules for writing code that a server…

PHP Elvis Operator: How (?:) Works with Examples

The Elvis operator in PHP is a shorthand version of the ternary operator. PHP allows developers to use this conditional…

Parameters and Arguments in PHP: What’s the Difference?

If you're coding in PHP you've most probably come across the terms 'parameters' and 'arguments' in functions. Well, they are…

PHP Functions: The Complete Guide for Beginners

So, what is a function? Quite simply, a function in PHP is a set of instructions you write once, and…

PHP array_merge_recursive: Merge Arrays Deeply

PHP array_merge_recursive joins two or more arrays into one nested array and keeps all values with their keys. Syntax of…

PHP Spaceship Operator

If you are new to the PHP Spaceship Operator, then let me tell you, you're in for a treat. This…

PHP Arrow Functions: Understanding “fn” Syntax

Arrow functions were introduced in PHP 7.4. They offer you a way to write simple operations, such as calculations, filters,…

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.