If vs Switch Performance

If vs Switch Performance SWIPE Which code do you think is faster? int n = 3; if (n == 1) { // something } else if (n == 2) { // something } else if (n == 3) { // something } else { // something } int n = 3; switch (n) { case 1: // something break; case 2: // something break; case 3: // something break; default: // something } The switch statement executes faster than a list of ifs, especially when there are many conditions. But why? Let's analyze the list of if statements first. All the conditions are evaluated one by one, which means the last condition takes more time to reach. Gets evaluated immediately -> if(){ // something } Has to wait for the previous if -> else if(){ // something } Has to wait for the 2 previous ifs -> else if(){ // something } Has to wait for the 3 previous ifs -> else(){ // something } On the other hand, each case within a switch statement doesn't rely on previous cases. They all get the same access time, as the compiler implements it using a branch table. Gets evaluated immediately -> switch(){ case: // something break; Gets evaluated immediately -> case: // something break; Gets evaluated immediately -> case: // something break; Gets evaluated immediately -> case: // something break; } However, in a real world scenario you're very unlikely to face an efficiency problem for using if statements instead of a switch. So always prefer the option that improves your code's readability and maintainability. Which option do you prefer? Let me know in the comments!