# OP\_ELSE

<figure><img src="/files/pS80ukEMuyxrRtFPCLcL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**OP\_ELSE** adds a second execution path to IF statements, creating true **binary branching**. With OP\_ELSE, the script executes one of two distinct code blocks based on the conditional evaluation.

#### IF-ELSE structure:

```
<Expression>
OP_IF
  <True action>
OP_ELSE
  <False action>
OP_ENDIF
```

#### How OP\_ELSE works:

* **If OP\_IF condition is TRUE:** Execute code between OP\_IF and OP\_ELSE, skip code after OP\_ELSE
* **If OP\_IF condition is FALSE:** Skip code between OP\_IF and OP\_ELSE, execute code after OP\_ELSE
* **Exactly one branch** always executes (never both, never neither)

#### Key characteristics:

* OP\_ELSE is **optional** — Simple IF blocks don't require it
* **At most one OP\_ELSE** per conditional block
* Creates **mutually exclusive execution paths**

#### Practical example: Dual-signature escrow

```
<buyer_sig> <seller_sig> OP_2 OP_CHECKMULTISIG
OP_IF
  // Both parties agree - release payment
  OP_TRUE
OP_ELSE
  // Parties disagree - require arbiter
  <arbiter_sig> <arbiter_pubkey> OP_CHECKSIGVERIFY
OP_ENDIF
```

**TRUE path:** If buyer and seller both sign, payment releases automatically. **FALSE path:** If multisig fails, arbiter signature is required. This implements **conditional escrow** with fallback to a trusted third party.

#### Benefits of binary branching:

* Explicitly handles both cases with no ambiguity
* Improves script readability for both execution paths
* Enables complex logic as foundation for nested conditionals
* Guarantees one execution path always runs


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