In this blog, we'll explore the different types of loops in JavaScript: while
, do...while
, and for
. We'll also cover how to break out of loops, continue to the next iteration, and use labels for more complex control flow. Let's dive in!
The while
Loop
The while
loop continues to execute as long as a specified condition is true.
Syntax:
while (condition) {
// code to execute
}
Example:
let count = 0;
while (count < 5) {
console.log(count);
count++;
}
// Output: 0 1 2 3 4
Explanation:
- The loop continues to execute as long as
count
is less than 5. - Inside the loop,
count
is incremented by 1 in each iteration.
The do...while
Loop
The do...while
loop ensures that the code block is executed at least once before checking the condition.
Syntax:
do {
// code to execute
} while (condition);
Example:
let count = 0;
do {
console.log(count);
count++;
} while (count < 5);
// Output: 0 1 2 3 4
Explanation:
- The loop ensures that the code block is executed at least once.
- The condition is checked after the first iteration.
The for
Loop
The for
loop is used when you know in advance how many times you want to execute a statement or a block of statements.
Syntax:
for (initialization; condition; increment) {
// code to execute
}
Example:
for (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
console.log(i);
}
// Output: 0 1 2 3 4
Explanation:
-
initialization
:let i = 0
initializes the loop counter. -
condition
:i < 5
is the condition that must be true for the loop to continue. -
increment
:i++
increments the loop counter after each iteration.
Breaking the Loop
The break
statement is used to exit a loop prematurely.
Example:
for (let i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
if (i === 5) {
break;
}
console.log(i);
}
// Output: 0 1 2 3 4
Explanation:
- The loop exits when
i
equals 5.
Continue to the Next Iteration
The continue
statement is used to skip the current iteration and move to the next iteration of the loop.
Example:
for (let i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
if (i === 5) {
continue;
}
console.log(i);
}
// Output: 0 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9
Explanation:
- The loop skips the iteration when
i
equals 5 and continues with the next iteration.
Labels for break
and continue
Labels can be used to break out of or continue to the next iteration of an outer loop from an inner loop.
Example:
outerLoop: for (let i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
for (let j = 0; j < 3; j++) {
if (i === 1 && j === 1) {
break outerLoop;
}
console.log(`i = ${i}, j = ${j}`);
}
}
// Output: i = 0, j = 0
// i = 0, j = 1
// i = 0, j = 2
// i = 1, j = 0
Explanation:
- The
break outerLoop
statement exits the outer loop wheni
equals 1 andj
equals 1.
Example with continue
:
outerLoop: for (let i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
for (let j = 0; j < 3; j++) {
if (i === 1 && j === 1) {
continue outerLoop;
}
console.log(`i = ${i}, j = ${j}`);
}
}
// Output: i = 0, j = 0
// i = 0, j = 1
// i = 0, j = 2
// i = 1, j = 0
// i = 2, j = 0
// i = 2, j = 1
// i = 2, j = 2
Explanation:
- The
continue outerLoop
statement skips the current iteration of the outer loop wheni
equals 1 andj
equals 1.
Summary
-
while
Loop: Continues to execute as long as a condition is true. -
do...while
Loop: Ensures the code block is executed at least once before checking the condition. -
for
Loop: Used when you know in advance how many times you want to execute a statement or block of statements. -
break
Statement: Exits a loop prematurely. -
continue
Statement: Skips the current iteration and moves to the next iteration of the loop. - Labels: Used to break out of or continue to the next iteration of an outer loop from an inner loop.
Conclusion
Loops are essential for performing repetitive tasks in JavaScript. By understanding the different types of loops and how to control their flow with break
, continue
, and labels, you'll be able to write more efficient and flexible code. Keep practicing and exploring to deepen your understanding of loops in JavaScript.
Stay tuned for more in-depth blogs on JavaScript! Happy coding!
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