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if (n >= 2)
{
    alpha = 5;
    beta = 8;
}
else
{
    alpha = 23;
    beta = 12;
}
Another popular style is to place the left braces at the end of the if line and the else line; the right braces still line up directly below the words if and else. This way of formatting the If statement originated with programmers using the C language, the predecessor of C++.
if (n >= 2) {
    alpha = 5;
    beta = 8;
}
else {
    alpha = 23;
    beta = 12;
}
It makes no difference to the C++compiler which style you use (and there are other styles as well). It's a matter of personal preference. Whichever style you use, though, you should always use the same style throughout a program. Inconsistency can confuse the person reading your program and give the impression of carelessness.

The If-Then Form
Sometimes you run into a situation where you want to say, If a certain condition exists, then perform some action; otherwise, don't do anything. In other words, you want the computer to skip a sequence of instructions if a certain condition isn't met. You could do this by leaving the else branch empty, using only the null statement:
if (a <= b)
    c = 20;
else
    ;

 
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