Beginning Programming with Java For Dummies, 5th Edition

Chapter 9

Forks in the Road

IN THIS CHAPTER

Writing statements that choose between alternatives

Putting statements inside one another

Writing several kinds of decision-making statements

Here’s an excerpt from Beginning Programming with Java For Dummies, 5th Edition, Chapter 8:

If you’re trying to store words or sentences (not just single letters), then you need to use something called a String.^*

This excerpt illustrates two important points: First, you may have to use something called a String. Second, your choice of action can depend on something being true or false:

• If it’s true that you’re trying to store words or sentences,
• you need to use something called a String.

This chapter deals with decision-making, which plays a fundamental role in the creation of instructions. With the material in this chapter, you expand your programming power by leaps and bounds.

Decisions, Decisions!

Picture yourself walking along a quiet country road. You’re enjoying a pleasant summer day. It’s not too hot, and a gentle breeze from the north makes you feel fresh and alert. You’re holding a copy of this book, opened to Chapter 9. You read the paragraph about storing words or sentences, ...