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Do not use a semicolon after an if, for, or while condition because this it typically indicates programmer error and can result in unexpected behavior.

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In this noncompliant code example, a semicolon is used immediately following an if condition.:

Code Block
bgColor#FFcccc
if (a == b); {
  /* ... */
}

...

This compliant solution eliminates the semicolon and ensures that the body of the if statement is executed only when the condition expression is true.:

Code Block
bgColor#ccccff
if (a == b) {
  /* ... */
}

...

Placing a semicolon immediately following an if, for, or while condition may result in unexpected behavior.

Related Guidelines

ISO/IEC TR 24772:20102013

"Likely Incorrect Expression [KOA]"

Bibliography

[Hatton 1995]

Section 2§2.7.2, "Errors of omission Omission and additionAddition"

 

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