Tier 1 Series 8

8D: The Dispatcher

Pilot Record
Student Profile
"A switchboard operator doesn't scan every single line one by one to find a match. They plug directly into the destination. Long chains of "Else If" are slow and messy. Use a Switch."

The Concept: Switch vs. If/Else

When checking a single variable against many known states (like GameState or WeaponType), a `switch` statement is cleaner and often faster than a chain of `if/else` blocks.

* **Readability:** It creates a clear list of cases.
* **Default:** It handles unexpected values gracefully.
Red Flag Detected

The Audit: The If-Chain

Ask the AI to check the weapon type.

void Fire() {
    if (type == "Pistol") ShootPistol();
    else if (type == "Rifle") ShootRifle();
    else if (type == "Rocket") ShootRocket();
    else if (type == "Knife") Slash();
}

This is "Linear Clutter." If you add 10 more weapons, this code becomes unreadable.

Elite Telemetry

Research shows "Elite" teams achieve 15% faster lead times by keeping AI on a "very tight leash."

  • Small Batches Solving one problem at a time prevents logic drift.
  • Modular Design Localizing the "blast radius" of AI changes.
  • Tight Loops Rapid iteration with constant code review.

The Mechanic's Correction

Corrective Protocol
void Fire() {
    switch (type) {
        case "Pistol": ShootPistol(); break;
        case "Rifle":  ShootRifle(); break;
        default:       Debug.Log("Unknown"); break;
    }
}
Your Pilot Command
> A skilled Mechanic directs the AI to use a Switch statement.
Next Mission