'default' not last case in 'switch'

Reports switch statements or expressions in which the default branch is positioned before another case. Such a construct is unnecessarily confusing. A quick-fix is provided to move the default branch to the last position, if possible.

Example:

  switch (n) {
      default:
          System.out.println();
          break;
      case 1:
          break;
  }

After the quick-fix is applied:

  switch (n) {
    case 1:
        break;
    default:
        System.out.println();
        break;
  }

Locating this inspection

By ID

Can be used to locate inspection in e.g. Qodana configuration files, where you can quickly enable or disable it, or adjust its settings.

DefaultNotLastCaseInSwitch

Via Settings dialog

Path to the inspection settings via IntelliJ Platform IDE Settings dialog, when you need to adjust inspection settings directly from your IDE.

Settings or Preferences | Editor | Inspections | Java | Control flow issues

Inspection Details
By default bundled with:	IntelliJ IDEA 2024.3, Qodana for JVM 2024.3,
Can be installed with plugin:	Java, 243.26483

01 April 2025