java - Which is better of the two: if-elif-else or if-else -

this not homework question, question result of discussion friend.

i searched lot not find reliable source establishes answer proper reasoning here @ mecca of programmers.

which of following 2 ways of coding better:

if(a) {     if(b)     ....     else if(c)     .... } 

or

if(a && b) ... else if(a && c) ... 

i searched , found http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cyclomatic_complexity useful still not make out final choice.

please provide relevant reasoning well.

cheers!

i think without optimization first method should faster.

since in 1st method check a once , b or c. if b false there 3 checks(comparisons).

but in second check a twice if b false(once if b true). there 4 checks if b false. compiler optimize both same.