If-Else Statements in R
Introduction
If-else statements are fundamental control structures in programming that allow you to execute different blocks of code based on certain conditions. In R, the if-else structure is crucial for making decisions and controlling the flow of your program.
Basic Syntax
The basic syntax of an if-else statement in R is as follows:
if (condition) {
# code to execute if condition is true
} else {
# code to execute if condition is false
}
Here, condition is a logical expression that evaluates to either TRUE or FALSE. Depending on the result, the corresponding block of code will be executed.
Example of If-Else Statement
Let's take a look at a simple example where we check if a number is positive or negative:
number <- -5
if (number > 0) {
print("The number is positive.")
} else {
print("The number is negative or zero.")
}
In this example, since the variable number is -5, the output will be:
The number is negative or zero.
Using Else If
Sometimes you may want to check multiple conditions. In such cases, you can use else if to handle multiple cases:
score <- 85
if (score >= 90) {
grade <- "A"
} else if (score >= 80) {
grade <- "B"
} else {
grade <- "C"
}
print(grade)
For the score of 85, the output will be:
B
Conclusion
If-else statements are a powerful way to control the flow of your R programs. By allowing you to execute different blocks of code based on conditions, they enable you to create dynamic and responsive applications. Practice using if-else statements to become more proficient in R programming!