prasath M

 

Types of Loops in Python 

In Python, loops are fundamental control structures that allow a program to execute a block of code repeatedly. They are commonly used for tasks like processing lists, iterating through data, or performing repeated calculations. Python mainly provides two primary types of loops.

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1. For Loop

The for loop is used to iterate over a sequence such as a list, tuple, string, or a range of numbers. It is typically used when the number of iterations is known.

Syntax

for variable in sequence:
    # code block

Example

for i in range(5):
    print(i)

Output

0
1
2
3
4

Explanation

• range(5) generates numbers from 0 to 4.

• The loop runs once for each value in the sequence.

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2. While Loop

The while loop repeatedly executes a block of code as long as a condition remains true. It is commonly used when the number of iterations is not predetermined.

Syntax

while condition:
    # code block

Example

i = 1
while i <= 5:
    print(i)
    i += 1

Output

1
2
3
4
5

Explanation

• The loop continues executing until the condition becomes false.

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Loop Control Statements

Python also provides control statements that modify loop behavior.

Statement	Description
break	Terminates the loop immediately
continue	Skips the current iteration and moves to the next
pass	Acts as a placeholder without executing any action

Example

for i in range(5):
    if i == 3:
        break
    print(i)

Output

0
1
2

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Conclusion

Loops are essential in Python programming because they help automate repetitive tasks and make programs more efficient. The for loop is best suited for iterating over sequences, while the while loop is ideal for condition-based repetition. By combining loops with control statements, developers can build powerful and flexible programs.