← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

CASE as if/elif/else in Python

Python has no CASE, so write it as an if/elif chain testing the same variable. The first value uses if, each other value uses elif, and OTHERWISE becomes else.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 7c Pseudocode and Flowcharts — Module 74

Understanding CASE as if/elif/else in Python in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

What it does: The first CASE value starts the chain with if, and Python uses == to compare Move with the value. A CASE statement checks one variable, so each extra value is an elif comparing that same variable. A comparison in Python uses ==. A single = is assignment and causes a syntax error here. OTHERWISE becomes else:. Python has no otherwise keyword. else has no condition after it. It is just else: and it catches every value not matched above.

Common mistakes: A single = assigns a value. To test whether move equals "L" you need the comparison operator ==, so the line should be if move == "L":. Every if line in Python must end with a colon. The line should be if move == "F":.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

🖨 Print worksheet + answer key Add CASE as if/elif/else in Python to a class →

This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 188–213) and word search (Modules 188–231).

Take this worksheet further — free with Cloodit

Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
Python has no CASE statement. How do you write CASE OF Move in Python?
A CASE OF ... ENDCASE block, exactly as in pseudocodeAn if/elif/else chain that tests Move each time
Matches
if Move == "F": print("Forward") if Move == "B": print("Back")
↓
The second value uses if instead of elif, so it is a separate test and not part of the same chain. It should be elif Move == "B":
Applying
Meanings
Term
if/elif/else
Meaning
Python has no CASE, so write it as an if/elif chain testing the same variable. The first value uses if, each other value uses elif, and OTHERWISE becomes else.
Practice
Move = "L"
Testing
Gaps
move == "L":
Check Answer
Spots
1move = input("Move: ")
2if move = "L":

Cloodit turns curriculum-aligned coding content into journeys students work through one biome at a time.

The 'Armadillo' badge — Shield Bearer, one of Cloodit's 106 collectible badges
Students earn collectable badges

Over 100 of them, across seven natural biomes.

Study Buddy
Students build a real study resource

Turns their work into revision material ready for Flash Cards and Exam study.

Diamond Dash — one of Cloodit's live, competitive Sprint games
Students lock in with Sprints

Live, competitive practice for the start of the lesson or a teacher-led lesson finisher.

A Cloodit certificate of achievement, ready to personalise and print
Custom printable certificates

Honour your top performers, or encourage a student who's trying hard — ready to print in seconds.

Add to class →

Quick Questions

1. Python has no CASE statement. How do you write CASE OF Move in Python?
A. An if/elif/else chain that tests Move each time ✓
B. A CASE OF ... ENDCASE block, exactly as in pseudocode
Python has no CASE keyword, so we use an if/elif/else chain that tests the same variable, Move.
2. Which keyword does the FIRST value of a CASE OF Move become in Python?
A. elif Move == "L":
B. if Move == "L": ✓
The first value starts the chain, so it uses if. Every later value uses elif.
3. Which line is the correct Python for the second value in a CASE OF Move?
A. elif Move == "R": ✓
B. elif Move = "R":
A comparison in Python uses ==. A single = is assignment and causes a syntax error here.
4. The pseudocode has OTHERWISE OUTPUT "Invalid". How is this written in Python?
A. otherwise:
B. else: ✓
OTHERWISE becomes else:. Python has no otherwise keyword.
5. Which is the correct way to write the end of a CASE OF Move as Python?
A. else: followed by an indented print("Invalid") ✓
B. else Move: followed by an indented print("Invalid")
else has no condition after it. It is just else: and it catches every value not matched above.

Match the Pairs

elif Move == "B": → Tests the next CASE value after the first, like the line B: in a CASE OF Move statement
else: → Runs when none of the if or elif tests match, just like OTHERWISE in a CASE statement
The first value in CASE OF Move becomes an if that tests the variable Move → if Move == "F":
Every value in the chain tests the same variable, so each elif compares Move again → elif Move == "L":
if Move == "F": print("Forward") if Move == "B": print("Back") → The second value uses if instead of elif, so it is a separate test and not part of the same chain. It should be elif Move == "B":
elif Move == "B": print("Back") OTHERWISE: print("Invalid") → OTHERWISE does not exist in Python. The catch-all branch must be written as else:

Key Term

if/elif/else
Python has no CASE, so write it as an if/elif chain testing the same variable. The first value uses if, each other value uses elif, and OTHERWISE becomes else.

Fill in the Blanks

1. if move == "L": print("Left") elif move == "R":
Hint: Type the keyword that starts the chain for the first CASE value.
2. if move == "L": print("Left") elif move == "R":
Hint: Type the keyword used for each further value after the first one.
3. elif move == "R": print("Right") else:
Hint: Type the keyword that replaces OTHERWISE and catches every other value.
4. if move == "L": print("Left") elif move == "R":
Hint: Type the operator that checks whether the variable equals a value.
5. if move == "L": print("Left") elif move == "R":
Hint: Type the variable that every branch in the chain tests, as in CASE OF.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A move = input("Move: ")
B if move = "L":
C print("Left")
D elif move == "R":
E print("Right")
Line B — A single = assigns a value. To test whether move equals "L" you need the comparison operator ==, so the line should be if move == "L":.
Question 2
A move = input("Move: ")
B if move == "F"
C print("Forward")
D else:
E print("Invalid")
Line B — Every if line in Python must end with a colon. The line should be if move == "F":.
Question 3
A move = input("Move: ")
B elif move == "U":
C y = y + 1
D elif move == "D":
E y = y - 1
Line B — The first value of the CASE must use if, not elif. An elif cannot start a chain because there is no if before it. It should be if move == "U":.
Question 4
A move = input("Move: ")
B if move == "U":
C print("Up")
D otherwise:
E print("Unknown move")
Line D — Python has no OTHERWISE keyword. OTHERWISE in a CASE statement becomes else: in Python.
Question 5
A if move == "L":
B x = x - 1
C else if move == "R":
D x = x + 1
Line C — Python does not use else if. Each extra value in the CASE is written as elif, so the line should be elif move == "R":.

Student with a class code? Join your class →