Table of Contents

    Three Constructs That Govern Statement Flow

    ⚙️ Three Constructs That Govern Statement Flow

    Every Java program (and almost all programming languages) is built using three fundamental control structures:


    🔹 1. Sequence

    Definition:
    The sequence construct means that statements are executed one after another in the same order in which they appear in the program.

    Example:

    public class SequenceExample {
        public static void main(String[] args) {
            int a = 5;
            int b = 10;
            int sum = a + b;
            System.out.println("Sum = " + sum);
        }
    }
    
    Figure: Sequence Constructs That Govern Statement Flow

    Explanation:
    Here, each line executes sequentially
    first variables are declared → then addition → then output.
    No skipping or repetition of statements.


    🔹 2. Selection (Decision Making)

    Definition:
    The selection construct allows the program to choose a path of execution based on a condition.
    It uses if, if-else, or switch statements.

    Example:

    public class SelectionExample {
        public static void main(String[] args) {
            int number = 10;
    
            if (number % 2 == 0) {
                System.out.println("Even number");
            } else {
                System.out.println("Odd number");
            }
        }
    }
    

    Explanation:
    Here, the program selects one path depending on whether the condition number % 2 == 0 is true or false.


    🔹 3. Iteration (Looping)

    Definition:
    The iteration construct allows statements to be executed repeatedly as long as a condition is true.
    It uses loops such as for, while, or do-while.

    Example:

    public class IterationExample {
        public static void main(String[] args) {
            for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
                System.out.println("Count: " + i);
            }
        }
    }
    

    Explanation:
    The statement inside the loop executes five times, controlling the flow through repetition.



    🧠 Summary Table

    Construct Purpose Keyword/Structure Example
    Sequence Executes statements in order Simple statements
    Selection Chooses one path based on condition if, if-else, switch Decision making
    Iteration Repeats a set of statements for, while, do-while Looping