Break and Continue in Python

Break and Continue in Python: Controlling Loop Execution

Break and Continue in Python: Controlling Loop Execution

Loops in Python allow us to execute a block of code repeatedly. However, sometimes we need to **control** the loop's behavior—either by **stopping** it early or **skipping** certain iterations. This is where `break` and `continue` statements come in.

Why Use `break` and `continue`?

  • Efficient Loop Control: Stop loops when necessary.
  • Skip Unwanted Iterations: Avoid unnecessary execution.
  • Optimized Performance: Reduce iterations in large data sets.

The `break` Statement

The `break` statement **stops** a loop immediately when a condition is met.

# Using break in a loop
for num in range(1, 10):
    if num == 5:
        break  # Stops the loop when num is 5
    print(num)

# Output:
# 1
# 2
# 3
# 4

As soon as `num == 5`, the loop **terminates** completely, skipping any further iterations.

The `continue` Statement

The `continue` statement **skips** the current iteration and moves to the next one.

# Using continue in a loop
for num in range(1, 10):
    if num == 5:
        continue  # Skips printing 5, moves to next iteration
    print(num)

# Output:
# 1
# 2
# 3
# 4
# 6
# 7
# 8
# 9

When `num == 5`, the `continue` statement **skips** the `print(num)` line but **does not stop** the loop.

Using `break` and `continue` in `while` Loops

These statements also work inside `while` loops:

# Using break in a while loop
count = 1
while count < 10:
    if count == 5:
        break  # Exit loop when count is 5
    print(count)
    count += 1
# Using continue in a while loop
count = 0
while count < 10:
    count += 1
    if count == 5:
        continue  # Skip iteration when count is 5
    print(count)

Conclusion

Using `break` and `continue` allows for **fine control** over loops, making programs more efficient and flexible. Where do you think these statements will be useful in your projects?


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Match Statement in Python

Image
Match Statement in Python: Simplifying Conditional Logic Match Statement in Python: Simplifying Conditional Logic The `match` statement, introduced in Python 3.10, helps structure conditional logic more efficiently compared to long `if-elif` chains. Basic Syntax of `match` Copy def get_day_message(day): match day: case "Monday": return "Start of the workweek!" case "Friday": return "Weekend is near!" case "Sunday": return "Relax, it's Sunday!" case _: return "Just another day." print(get_day_message("Friday")) Matching Multiple Values Copy match day: case "Saturday" | "Sunday": print("It's the weekend!") case _: print("A weekday.") Using Guards (Conditions) Copy match age: ...
Read more

For loop and while loop in python

Image
For Loop in Python: Iterating Through Sequences For Loop in Python: Iterating Through Sequences The `for` loop in Python is used to **iterate through sequences** like lists, tuples, strings, and ranges. It helps automate repetitive tasks efficiently. Why Use `for` Loops? Automates repetitive operations. Makes code cleaner and more readable. Works with different data structures. Basic Syntax fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"] for fruit in fruits: print(fruit) Using `range()` in a For Loop The `range()` function generates numbers for looping. for num in range(1, 6): print(num) # Output: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Looping Through a String for letter in "Python": print(letter) Conclusion The `for` loop is a powerful tool for iterating through sequences effortlessly. How do you plan to use it in your projects? While Loop in Python: Repeating Until a Condition is Met ...
Read more