on coding dummy variables and conditional statements [duplicate]

This question already has an answer here:

• Interpreting “condition has length > 1” warning from `if` function 5 answers

I'm actively trying to learn more R. I am familiar with coding dummy variables in this such way to use in regression analysis (example is from coding for region in panel data)

    dum1<-ifelse(var=="condition",1,0)

What im wondering is why when i attempt to code it this way

    if(variable=="condition"){dum1<-1} else {dum1<-0}

i get this: Warning message: In if (variable == "condition") { : the condition has length > 1 and only the first element will be used

Can someone help explain this to me? Thanks