Making Decisions

if / else as an expression

Programs constantly choose between paths. if runs a block of code only when a condition — an expression whose type is Boolean — is true. else provides the block to run when it isn't.

Conditions usually come from comparison operators, each producing a Boolean:

• == equal (two equals signs! a single = assigns)
• != not equal
• < > less / greater than
• <= >= less / greater than or equal

Kotlin's if has a superpower Swift's doesn't: it's an expression, meaning it can produce a value directly — val label = if (rating >= 4.5) "Top-rated" else "Solid" skips the temporary variable entirely.