which of the following is an example of a branching control structure

while loop
for loop
do loop
if... then

if... then is an example of a branching control structure.

The correct answer is "if... then." In programming, an "if... then" statement is a control structure that allows the program to execute different sets of instructions based on a condition. It is called a branching control structure because it allows the program to branch or take different paths depending on the result of the condition.

The example of a branching control structure among the given options is the "if... then" statement. It allows the program to make a decision and execute certain code based on the evaluation of a condition.

To understand the concept, let's take a closer look at each option:

1. While loop: A while loop is a looping control structure that executes a block of code repeatedly as long as a given condition is true. It allows for iterative execution but is not a branching control structure.

2. For loop: Similar to a while loop, a for loop is also a looping control structure. It iterates a block of code a specific number of times, based on the initialization, condition, and iteration step. Like the while loop, it is not an example of a branching control structure.

3. Do loop: A do loop is another looping control structure that executes a block of code as long as a given condition is true. However, unlike the while loop, it guarantees the code will be executed at least once, regardless of whether the condition is true or false. Like the other loops, it is not a branching control structure.

4. If... then: An if... then statement, which is an example of branching control structure, evaluates a condition and executes a block of code only if the condition is true. It allows the program to take different paths based on the result of the condition evaluation.

In summary, the "if... then" statement is the example of a branching control structure among the given choices.