What is Conditional Logic & How Can You Use It?

September 13, 2024 |
4 min read

Have you ever filled out a form that changed based on the answers you gave? Like when you answer "Yes" to a question, and new questions pop up, but if you answer "No" they don’t?

That’s conditional logic! It’s a smart feature that helps make forms more dynamic and easy to use.

In this post, you’ll learn what conditional logic is, why it’s useful, and how to add it to your forms. You’ll also easily be able to create forms with conditional logic in the Best No-Code Online Form Builder-Formester.

What is Conditional Logic?

Conditional logic is a set of rules (if-then statements) that your form follows based on the user’s answers. It’s like giving your form the ability to make decisions.

If someone answers one way, the form will ask certain questions. If they answer differently, the form might skip some questions or show others. For example, let’s say you ask, “Do you own a pet?” If the answer is "Yes," the form might then ask, “What kind of pet do you have?”

But if the answer is "No," the follow-up question won’t appear. Conditional logic helps make forms more personalized, which can lead to better responses and less confusion.

This feature is very useful for making surveys, quizzes, and registration forms. It helps you collect specific information based on earlier answers.

Example 1: Basic If Statement

This is like asking a question and showing another question only if the answer is "Yes."

if (answer === "Yes") {
  // Show the next question
  console.log("What kind of pet do you have?");
}

In this example, the form will only ask about the kind of pet if the person answers "Yes" to owning a pet.

Example 2: If-Else Statement

This allows for different actions based on the response.

if (answer === "Yes") {
  // Show the pet question
  console.log("What kind of pet do you have?");
} else {
  // Skip the pet question
  console.log("No pet-related questions.");
}

Here, the form either shows the pet-related question if they own a pet, or skips it if they don’t.

Example 3: Else-If Statement for Multiple Conditions

When there are more than two possible answers.

if (answer === "Dog") {
  console.log("How old is your dog?");
} else if (answer === "Cat") {
  console.log("How old is your cat?");
} else {
  console.log("What other kind of pet do you have?");
}

This example checks for specific answers like "Dog" or "Cat" and shows follow-up questions accordingly.

Why Use Conditional Logic?

Conditional logic makes your forms shorter, faster, and easier to complete. People only see the questions that matter to them. Here’s why this feature is so helpful:

  • Saves time: Only relevant questions appear, making the form quicker to fill out.
  • More fun: People enjoy filling out shorter, more tailored forms.
  • Better data: When people only answer questions that apply to them, you get more accurate results.
  • Less confusion: Conditional logic keeps the form simple and organized.

Where Can You Use Conditional Logic?

Conditional logic is great for many types of forms:

  • Surveys: Ask follow-up questions based on earlier responses.
  • Quizzes: Offer extra questions if someone gets an answer wrong.
  • Job applications: Skip questions for unqualified applicants.
  • Contact forms: Ask specific questions based on the type of issue.

How to Add Conditional Logic to Your Form?

Here’s how you can set up conditional logic in Formester:

  • Create your form: Add all the questions you want.
  • Navigate to Rules: Use the feature "Rules" under "Advanced" Tab.
  • Setup Conditions/Rules: Add new rules and setup conditions using the "if-then parameters" and “AND-OR” Operators.
  • Test your form: Hit "Save" and "Preview" your form before publishing.

Summary

Conditional logic helps you create smarter, more personalized forms. By using it, your forms will be shorter, easier to complete, and more fun. Whether you're using Google Forms or another form builder. Adding conditional logic is a breeze in Formester.

Now, go ahead and try it out in your next form! You’ll love how easy it makes gathering the right information.

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