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.

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