If Then ... Else ... End if

The if then ... else ... end if statement is one of the core statements used in ASP. Using this statement we can test if a condition is met, then dependant upon the result make one of two actions. As an example we will show a greeting on the page if its the morning.

<%
If time < 12:00 then
%>
Good morning, welcome to ...
<%
End If
%>

The format used in our example above, is used to execute a block of code which extends over more than one line.  If we only have a single statement to execute we can make it more efficient, by putting the whole statement on one line and omitting the End IF.

<%
If time < 12:00 then response.write("Good morning, welcome to ...")
%>

To help you in debugging your program, it is worth adding a comment after the End If so you know which If block it relates to.

The If statement may be further extended so that if the condition is met we do one action, otherwise we will do another.  We do this using the Else statement.

<%
If time < 12:00 then
%>
Good morning, welcome to ...
<%
Else 'time < 12:00
%>
Good afternoon, welcome to ...
<%
End If 'time < 12:00
%>