Switch Example in Java

Introduction

Switch is a classic Java console program that demonstrates the concept with complete source code and sample output. Conditional statements choose different code paths based on boolean expressions.

This tutorial walks through the program line by line, explains how the logic works, and highlights best practices you can apply in your own code.

Definition

A switch statement is a type of selection control mechanism used to allow the value of a variable or expression to change the control flow of program execution via a multiway branch.

Syntax

switch (expression) {
case value_1 :
     statement(s);
     break;
case value_2 :
     statement(s);
     break;
 .
 .
 .
case value_n :
     statement(s);
     break;
default:
     statement(s);
}

Switch Example Program

class SwitchExample{
	public static void main(String[] args){
		int month = 6;
		switch (month){
			case 1:
				System.out.println("Jan");
				break;
			case 2:
				System.out.println("Feb");
				break;
			case 3:
				System.out.println("Mar");
				break;
			case 4:
				System.out.println("Apr");
				break;
			case 5:
				System.out.println("May");
				break;
			case 6:
				System.out.println("Jun");
				break;
			case 7:
				System.out.println("Jul");
				break;
			default:
				System.out.println("Invalid case");
				break;
		}
	}
}

Sample Output

Jun

When to use

Use this switch example when learning or revising core Java syntax.

How it works

1. Execution begins in the main method — the JVM calls this method when you run the class.

2. int month = 6; updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

3. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

4. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

5. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

6. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

7. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

8. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

Best Practices

• Use meaningful variable and class names that describe their purpose.
• Compile and run the program locally — modify values to see how output changes.
• Read compiler errors carefully; they usually point to the exact line to fix.

Common Mistakes

• Copying code without understanding each line — practice by changing one statement at a time.
• Mismatching the public class name and the .java filename.
• Forgetting semicolons at the end of statements.