MSC52-JG. Do not place a semicolon on the same line as an if, for, or while statement

Do not use a semicolon on the same line as an if, for, or while statement because this typically indicates programmer error and can result in unexpected behavior.

Noncompliant Code Example

In this noncompliant code example, a semicolon is used on the same line as an if statement.

if (a == b); {
  /* ... */
}

Compliant Solution

It is likely, in this example, that the semicolon was accidentally inserted.

if (a == b) {
  /* ... */
}

Applicability

Placing a semicolon on the same line as an if, for, or while statement may result in unexpected behavior.

Related Guidelines

Bibliography