If-Else Statements in PHP: A Complete Guide for Beginners

11/19/2025
All Articles

if-else statements in PHP with examples

If-Else Statements in PHP: A Complete Guide for Beginners

If-Else Statements in PHP: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Control flow is one of the most important concepts in any programming language. In PHP, if-else statements help you execute different blocks of code based on specific conditions. Whether you're validating form input, controlling user access, or performing logical checks, the if-else structure is essential.

This article explains if, else, elseif, nested if statements, and real PHP examples to help beginners master conditional logic.

What Are If-Else Statements in PHP?

If-else statements allow PHP to make decisions. They evaluate a condition and execute code only when that condition is true.

In simple words:

  • if = run code when a condition is true

  • else = run code when the condition is false

  • elseif = run code when additional conditions are true

⭐ Basic Syntax of if Statement

<?php
if (condition) {
    // Code to execute if condition is true
}
?>

Example:

<?php
$age = 20;

if ($age >= 18) {
    echo "You are eligible to vote.";
}
?>

⭐ if-else Statement

Used when you want one block of code to run if the condition is true, and another if it is false.

<?php
if (condition) {
    // Executes if condition is true
} else {
    // Executes if condition is false
}
?>

Example:

<?php
$number = 5;

if ($number % 2 == 0) {
    echo "Even Number";
} else {
    echo "Odd Number";
}
?>

⭐ if-elseif-else Statement

Useful for checking multiple conditions.

<?php
if (condition1) {
   // Code for condition1
} elseif (condition2) {
   // Code for condition2
} else {
   // Default code
}
?>

Example:

<?php
$marks = 75;

if ($marks >= 90) {
    echo "Grade A";
} elseif ($marks >= 75) {
    echo "Grade B";
} elseif ($marks >= 50) {
    echo "Grade C";
} else {
    echo "Fail";
}
?>

⭐ Nested if Statements

An if statement inside another if.

<?php
$age = 20;
$citizen = true;

if ($age >= 18) {
    if ($citizen) {
        echo "You are eligible to vote.";
    }
}
?>

⭐ Using Logical Operators in if Conditions

<?php
$age = 25;
$hasLicense = true;

if ($age >= 18 && $hasLicense) {
    echo "You can drive";
}
?>

⭐ Real-World Example: Login Validation

<?php
$username = "admin";
$password = "12345";

if ($username == "admin" && $password == "12345") {
    echo "Login Successful";
} else {
    echo "Invalid Credentials";
}
?>

⭐ Common Mistakes in If-Else Statements

❌ Missing curly braces { }
❌ Using = instead of == for comparison
❌ Unnecessary semicolon after if condition
❌ Writing unreachable else blocks

Example mistake:

if ($a == 10);  // ❌ Wrong: Semicolon ends the if
{
    echo "Always runs";
}

Correct:

if ($a == 10) {
    echo "Runs only if true";
}

Conclusion

If-else statements are the backbone of decision-making in PHP. They help you control the flow of execution and build dynamic, intelligent applications. Once you master basic and nested conditions, you'll be ready to work with loops, functions, and more complex logic.

Article