This rule applies whenever an if statement is followed by one or more else if statements; the final else if
should be followed by an else statement.
The requirement for a final else statement is defensive programming.
The else statement should either take appropriate action or contain a suitable comment as to why no action is taken. This is
consistent with the requirement to have a final default clause in a switch statement.
Noncompliant code example
if (x == 0) {
doSomething();
} else if (x == 1) {
doSomethingElse();
}
Compliant solution
if (x == 0) {
doSomething();
} else if (x == 1) {
doSomethingElse();
} else {
throw new IllegalStateException();
}
