Mastering Looping Statements in Python: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Python looping statements are used to execute a set of instructions repeatedly. In programming, loops are an essential tool that allows developers to automate repetitive tasks. There are two types of loops in Python: for loop and while loop. In this article, we will discuss these looping statements in detail and provide examples of their use.

For Loop

The for loop is used to iterate over a sequence of elements. The syntax of a for loop in Python is as follows:

for var in sequence:
    
    #code to be executed

Here, var is the loop variable, and sequence is the sequence of elements that the loop iterates over. The code within the for loop is executed once for each element in the sequence.

Example:

# iterating over a list using for loop 
fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"] 
for fruit in fruits:
    
    print(fruit)

Output:

apple

banana

cherry

While Loop

The while loop is used to execute a set of instructions repeatedly as long as a condition is true. The syntax of a while loop in Python is as follows:

while condition: 
    #code to be executed

Here, condition is the expression that is evaluated to a Boolean value, and the code within the while loop is executed as long as the condition is true.

Example:

# printing numbers from 1 to 5 using while loop


i = 1

while i <= 5:

    print(i)
    i += 1

Output:

1
2
3
4
5

Break and Continue Statements

In addition to the for and while loops, Python also provides two special statements that can be used within loops to control their behaviour: break and continue.

The break statement is used to terminate a loop prematurely when a certain condition is met. When executed, the loop immediately stops, and the program execution continues with the statement following the loop.

Example:

# breaking a for loop when the condition is met 
fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]

for fruit in fruits:
    
    if fruit == "banana":
        
        break
    
        print(fruit)

Output:

apple

The continue statement is used to skip the current iteration of a loop and move on to the next iteration. When executed, the current iteration of the loop is terminated, and the program execution continues with the next iteration.

Example:

# skipping a for loop iteration using continue statement 
fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]

for fruit in fruits:
    
    if fruit == "banana":
        
        continue
    
        print(fruit)

Output:

apple
cherry

Conclusion

Loops are an essential tool in programming that allows developers to automate repetitive tasks. In Python, there are two types of loops: for loop and while loop. Additionally, the break and continue statements can be used within loops to control their behaviour. Understanding the use of loops and the break and continue statements can significantly simplify program development and improve its efficiency.