# IF

## Syntax

```sql
IF search_condition THEN statement_list
    [ELSEIF search_condition THEN statement_list] ...
    [ELSE statement_list]
END IF;
```

## Description

`IF` implements a basic conditional construct. If the `search_condition` evaluates to true, the corresponding SQL statement list is executed. If no `search_condition` matches, the statement list in the `ELSE` clause is executed. Each statement\_list consists of one or more statements.

## See Also

* The [IF() function](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/reference/sql-functions/control-flow-functions/if-function), which differs from the `IF` statement described above.
* [Changes in Oracle mode](https://app.gitbook.com/s/aEnK0ZXmUbJzqQrTjFyb/community-server/about/compatibility-and-differences/sql_modeoracle).
* The [CASE statement](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/programmatic-compound-statements/case-statement).

<sub>*This page is licensed: GPLv2, originally from*</sub> [<sub>*fill\_help\_tables.sql*</sub>](https://github.com/MariaDB/server/blob/main/scripts/fill_help_tables.sql)

{% @marketo/form formId="4316" %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://mariadb.com/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/programmatic-compound-statements/if.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
