ElseAlwaysExecutes
DRAFT

Misconception:

if (c) A else B is equivalent to if (c) A; B.

Incorrect

The else branch of an if-else statement always executes

Correct

The else branch of an if-else statement only executes if the condition evaluates to false

Correction
Here is what's right.

In an if-else-statement, only one of the two branches executes.

Simple Example

if (a) {
  a();
} else {
  b();
}

is different from

if (a) {
  a();
}
b();

More Complex Example

if (a) {
  a();
} else if (b) { // else means this condition only executes if `!a`
  b();
} else {
  c();
}

is different from

if (a) {
  a();
} // no else, so next statement doesn't depend on `a`
if (b) {
  b();
} else {
  c();
}

Stay up-to-date

Follow us on  twitter to hear about new misconceptions.