👉 In programming, an "if" statement is a conditional control flow construct that executes a block of code only if a specified condition is true. It allows for decision-making within a program by evaluating a boolean expression; if the condition evaluates to true, the code block following the "if" statement runs; otherwise, it skips to the next part of the program or a different block. This enables dynamic and responsive behavior in software, allowing for complex logic based on user inputs, data states, or other runtime conditions. The "if" statement is fundamental in creating if-then-else logic, which is essential for handling various scenarios and making intelligent decisions in applications.