# layout/switch
**Symbol:** `layout/switch`

**Use-case:** Multi-way equality dispatch in block syntax. Lowers to `switch`
clause lists consumed by `compile/switch`.

**Behaviour:** Does not accept peers. Header must be exactly
`switch VALUE:` (one value expression). Inner `case` and `else` blocks are
expanded by default **`layout/block`** (flat splice). `layout/switch` validates
each child and emits:

`(switch VALUE (COND-LIST BODY...) ... (else: BODY...))`

Rules:

- body entries must be `case` or `else` blocks only
- `case` requires exactly one condition argument and it is passed through
  as the case's condition list expression
- `else` takes no arguments
- only one `else` is allowed
- `case` cannot appear after `else`
- empty body is allowed and lowers to `(switch VALUE)`

**Syntax:**

```
switch VALUE:
  case COND-LIST:
    BODY
  case COND-LIST2:
    BODY
  else:
    BODY
```

**Examples:**

```koskari
switch x:
  case [1]:
    "one"
  case [2 3]:
    "two-or-three"
  else:
    "meh"
;; -> (switch x ([1] "one") ([2 3] "two-or-three") (else: "meh"))

switch x:
  case [1]:
    "one"
;; -> (switch x ([1] "one"))
```

**Also:** special form [`switch`](../specials/compile-switch.md).