Loops In C

Hey there! In this guide, we'll explore loops in C. Loops are used to execute a block of code repeatedly based on specific conditions. Let's dive in!

• C provides several types of loops that allow you to execute a block of code multiple times based on specific conditions.
• The main types of loops in C are for, while, and do-while.

1. For Loop

The for loop is used when you know how many times you want to execute a statement or a block of statements.

Syntax:

for(initialization; condition; increment/decrement) {
    // code to be executed
}

Example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
        printf("Iteration %d\n", i);
    }
    return 0;
}

Output:

Iteration 0
Iteration 1
Iteration 2
Iteration 3
Iteration 4

2. While Loop

The while loop is used when you want to execute a block of code as long as a specified condition is true.

Syntax:

while(condition) {
    // code to be executed
}

Example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int i = 0;
    while (i < 5) {
        printf("Iteration %d\n", i);
        i++;
    }
    return 0;
}

Output:

Iteration 0
Iteration 1
Iteration 2
Iteration 3
Iteration 4

3. Do-While Loop

The do-while loop is similar to the while loop, except that it guarantees that the code block will be executed at least once before the condition is tested.

Syntax:

do {
    // code to be executed
} while(condition);

Example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int i = 0;
    do {
        printf("Iteration %d\n", i);
        i++;
    } while (i < 5);
    return 0;
}

Output:

Iteration 0
Iteration 1
Iteration 2
Iteration 3
Iteration 4

4. Nested Loops

You can also use loops inside other loops, which are called nested loops.

Example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    for (int i = 1; i <= 3; i++) {
        for (int j = 1; j <= 2; j++) {
            printf("Outer Loop: %d, Inner Loop: %d\n", i, j);
        }
    }
    return 0;
}

Outer Loop: 1, Inner Loop: 1
Outer Loop: 1, Inner Loop: 2
Outer Loop: 2, Inner Loop: 1
Outer Loop: 2, Inner Loop: 2
Outer Loop: 3, Inner Loop: 1
Outer Loop: 3, Inner Loop: 2

5. Break and Continue Statements

a. Break Statement

The break statement is used to exit a loop prematurely.

Example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
        if (i == 5) {
            break; // Exit the loop when i equals 5
        }
        printf("Iteration %d\n", i);
    }
    return 0;
}

Output:

Iteration 0
Iteration 1
Iteration 2
Iteration 3
Iteration 4

b. Break Statement

The continue statement skips the current iteration and proceeds to the next one.

Example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
        if (i == 2) {
            continue; // Skip the iteration when i equals 2
        }
        printf("Iteration %d\n", i);
    }
    return 0;
}

Output:

Iteration 0
Iteration 1
Iteration 3
Iteration 4

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Loops are essential for controlling the flow of execution in your C++ programs, enabling you to perform repetitive tasks efficiently. Understanding how to use them effectively will greatly enhance your programming skills!