Here are the key advantages of using when instead of switch in Kotlin:
when can be used as an expression or statement, while switch is just a statement. This means when can return a value, making it more flexible[1].
when has a more concise syntax compared to switch. It uses -> instead of case and break, and multiple conditions can be grouped with commas[1][3].
An else branch is required for when expressions to ensure a value is always returned, making the code safer. switch relies on a default case which is optional[1][4].
when can have arbitrary conditions, not just equality checks like switch. This includes ranges, object types, and boolean expressions[1][3].
when can be used without an argument, checking each branch condition directly. switch requires an expression to switch on[1].
