Java Control Structures
A program consists of a series of instructions that guide the computer in its operations. Computer programming involves two fundamental elements: data and instructions. Understanding variables and data types is essential for handling data, while comprehending control structures and statements is crucial for working with instructions.
A control structure is a specific syntax used in programming languages to dictate the flow of control within a program. It allows a sequence of statements to be executed based on whether a certain condition is true or false. This enables the program to make decisions and choose among different paths. Therefore, flow control is a fundamental process in computer programming, determining how the computer responds to various conditions and parameters.
Typically, during the "flow of control," the computer executes the instructions in the order they appear, one after the other. This is known as sequential execution. However, in computer programming, the statement to be executed next may not necessarily be located in the next line of code. This is referred to as transfer of program control. In the following lessons, you will gain an understanding of control structures and statements in the Java programming language.