Do not use a semicolon on the same line as an if, for, or while statement because this typically indicates programmer error and can result in unexpected behavior.

Noncompliant Code Example

In this noncompliant code example, a semicolon is used on the same line as an if statement.

if (a == b); {
  /* ... */
}

Compliant Solution

It is likely, in this example, that the semicolon was accidentally inserted.

if (a == b) {
  /* ... */
}

Automated Detection

Tool	Version	Checker	Description
Klocwork		SEMICOL

Related Guidelines

ISO/IEC TR 24772 "KOA Likely incorrect expressions"

The CERT Oracle Secure Coding Standard for Java: MSC52-J. Do not place a semicolon on the same line as an if, for, or while statement

MITRE CWE: CWE-480, "Use of incorrect operator"

Bibliography

[Hatton 1995] Section 2.7.2, "Errors of omission and addition"