In the context of Java programming, engage in a comprehensive discussion regarding the significance and diverse applications of conditionals. Analyze and compare the distinct types of conditional statements available, including if-else, switch-case, and ternary operators, focusing on their syntax, functionality, and use cases. Examine the advantages and limitations of each conditional statement type, while differentiating the scenarios in which they are most effective. Elaborate on the factors that influence the selection of one conditional statement over another.

In Java programming, conditionals play a crucial role in controlling the flow of the program. They allow the program to make decisions based on certain conditions, leading to different outcomes.

1. If-else statement: The if-else statement is the most basic form of conditional statement in Java. It checks if a condition is true. If it is, it executes a block of code. If it's not, it executes another block of code (the else block). The syntax is as follows:

if (condition) {
  // code to be executed if condition is true
} else {
  // code to be executed if condition is false
}

The if-else statement is simple and straightforward, making it suitable for most scenarios. However, it can become complex and hard to read when dealing with multiple conditions.

2. Switch-case statement: The switch-case statement is used when we need to choose between a number of options. It's more readable than nested if-else statements when dealing with multiple conditions. The syntax is as follows:

switch (variable) {
  case value1:
    // code to be executed if variable equals value1
    break;
  case value2:
    // code to be executed if variable equals value2
    break;
  default:
    // code to be executed if variable does not match any values
}

The switch-case statement is efficient and easy to read, but it only works with discrete values (like integers or enums), not ranges or conditions.

3. Ternary operator: The ternary operator is a shorthand for an if-else statement. It's used when we want to assign a value to a variable based on a condition. The syntax is as follows:

variable = (condition) ? value_if_true : value_if_false;

The ternary operator is concise and efficient, but it can be hard to read when dealing with complex conditions or multiple ternary operators.

In conclusion, the choice of conditional statement depends on the specific scenario and the programmer's preference. If-else statements are versatile and can handle any condition, but they can become complex when dealing with multiple conditions. Switch-case statements are efficient and easy to read when dealing with multiple discrete values, but they can't handle ranges or conditions. Ternary operators are concise and efficient, but they can be hard to read when dealing with complex conditions.