switch statement

[bob]

I was just wondering if the switch statement usually generates more

efficient code than an if/else. If not, then what is the main
benefit

of the switch statement?

 

[Saeed Amrollahi]

I was just wondering if the switch statement usually generates more

efficient code than an if/else. If not, then what is the main
benefit

of the switch statement?

As Stroustrup has written in section 6.3.2 of 3rd the switch statement
is equivalent to if/else statement except that:
1. Sometimes it is more readable that equivalent if/else, because
testing a value against some constants are explicit.
2. It can also lead to a better code generation. I think it is
implementation dependent.

The C++ Standard Document doesn't mention switch statements are more
efficient than if/else statement.
I think you use both statements from programming styles point of view.

Regards,
S. Amrollahi

 

[Ian Collins]

I was just wondering if the switch statement usually generates more
efficient code than an if/else.
Measure!

If not, then what is the main
benefit of the switch statement?

Legibility.

 

[Rolf Magnus]

I was just wondering if the switch statement usually generates more

efficient code than an if/else.

In some cases it does, in others it doesn't.

If not, then what is the main benefit

of the switch statement?

Better readability.