> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.syntblaze.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Go Else Clause
The `else` clause in Go is a conditional control flow construct that dictates the execution of a specific block of code when the boolean expression of its associated `if` or `else if` statement evaluates to `false`.
```go theme={"dark"}
if condition {
// Executed if condition is true
} else {
// Executed if condition is false
}
```
## Lexical Constraints and Formatting
Go enforces strict formatting rules for the `else` clause. The `else` keyword **must** appear on the exact same line as the closing brace `}` of the preceding `if` block.
If the `else` keyword is placed on a new line, Go's lexer will apply its automatic semicolon insertion rule after the closing brace `}`, resulting in a compile-time syntax error (`unexpected else, expecting }`).
**Valid Syntax:**
```go theme={"dark"}
if x > 0 {
x--
} else {
x++
}
```
**Invalid Syntax (Compile Error):**
```go theme={"dark"}
if x > 0 {
x--
}
else { // ERROR: unexpected else
x++
}
```
## Mandatory Braces
Unlike C, C++, or Java, Go does not permit the omission of curly braces `{}` for single-line statements. The `else` block must always be enclosed in braces, ensuring uniform block scoping and preventing dangling-else ambiguities.
## Variable Scoping
Go allows an optional initialization statement to precede the boolean condition in an `if` statement. Any variables declared within this initialization statement are lexically scoped to the entire `if-else` chain. They are fully accessible within the `else` block.
```go theme={"dark"}
if val := computeValue(); val > 10 {
// val is accessible here
fmt.Println("High:", val)
} else {
// val remains in scope and is accessible here
fmt.Println("Low:", val)
}
// val is out of scope here
```
## Chaining with `else if`
To evaluate multiple, mutually exclusive conditions sequentially, the `else` clause can be immediately followed by another `if` statement. The same lexical rules apply: `else if` must remain on the same line as the preceding closing brace.
```go theme={"dark"}
if conditionA {
// Executed if conditionA is true
} else if conditionB {
// Executed if conditionA is false AND conditionB is true
} else {
// Executed if both conditionA and conditionB are false
}
```
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