Branch using an if statement. Learn the syntax using an editable bash example.
When to use it
Use this technique in small programs, reusable helpers and everyday debugging. Check the input types, any required imports, and whether the operation changes existing values or produces a new result.
Syntax
value=7; if [ "$value" -gt 5 ]; then echo large; else echo small; fi
Parameters
Inspect the literals, variables and function arguments used in the example. Replace values with compatible bash types before testing.
Returns / effect
Expected demonstration result: large.
Expected output
large
Common mistake and fix
Match the required syntax and test boundary cases.
Good practices
Keep the example small, check its documented output, then adapt it to your own project with validation and error handling.
Practice exercise
Try changing one input in the branch using an if statement example. Predict how the output changes, then compare with the reference output.
Compatibility: Confirm support in your installed language/runtime version; some examples need modern standard libraries.
Related concepts: basics, examples, syntax
Explain this code
Try a small exercise
Try changing one input in the branch using an if statement example. Predict how the output changes, then compare with the reference output.
Show a hint
Change a single literal or input first; compare the result before making more edits.
Show example solution
value=7; if [ "$value" -gt 5 ]; then echo large; else echo small; fi
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