This rule applies whenever an ``++if++`` statement is followed by one or more ``++else if++`` statements; the final ``++else if++`` should be followed by an ``++else++`` statement.


The requirement for a final ``++else++`` statement is defensive programming.

The ``++else++`` statement should either take appropriate action or contain a suitable comment as to why no action is taken. This is consistent with the requirement to have a final ``++case _++`` clause in a ``++match++``.

== Noncompliant Code Example

----
if (x == 0) {
  doSomething
} else if (x == 1) {
  doSomethingElse
} 
----

== Compliant Solution

----
if (x == 0) {
  doSomething
} else if (x == 1) {
  doSomethingElse
} else {
  throw new IllegalStateException
}
----

== Exceptions

When all branches of an ``++if++``-``++else if++`` end with ``++return++``, ``++break++`` or ``++throw++``, the code that comes after the ``++if++`` implicitly behaves as if it was in an ``++else++`` clause. This rule will therefore ignore that case.

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== Comments And Links
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