In this article, we'll cover how loops work in Python, how to use break, continue, and pass statements, and the unique else clause that can be used with loops.
What is a Loop?
A loop allows you to execute a block of code multiple times. It helps automate repetitive tasks such as processing lists, iterating through numbers, or performing calculations until a condition changes.for Loop
The for loop is used to iterate over a sequence (like a list, tuple, string, or range of numbers).Python's for loop works differently than in many other languages — it directly iterates over items rather than using an index counter.
Syntax:
for variable in sequence:
statement(s)
Example:
for i in range(5):
print("Iteration:", i)
Output:
Iteration: 0
Iteration: 1
Iteration: 2
Iteration: 3
Iteration: 4
Example – Iterating over a list:
fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
for fruit in fruits:
print(fruit)
Output:
apple
banana
cherry
while Loop
The while loop executes a block of code as long as a condition remains True. When the condition becomes False, the loop stops.Syntax:
while condition:
statement(s)
Example:
count = 1
while count <= 5:
print("Count:", count)
count += 1
Output:
Count: 1
Count: 2
Count: 3
Count: 4
Count: 5
Loop Control Statements
Python provides three special statements to alter the normal loop behavior:| Statement | Description |
|---|---|
| break | Exits the loop completely |
| continue | Skips the current iteration and moves to the next |
| pass | Does nothing — acts as a placeholder |
'break' Statement
The break statement immediately terminates the loop when a specific condition is met.Example:
for i in range(1, 10):
if i == 5:
break
print(i)
Output:
1
2
3
4
'continue' Statement
The continue statement skips the rest of the current iteration and moves to the next one.Example:
for i in range(1, 6):
if i == 3:
continue
print(i)
Output:
1
2
4
5
'pass' Statement
The pass statement does nothing. It's used as a placeholder where code will be added later or where an empty block is syntactically required.Example:
for i in range(5):
pass # To be implemented later
else Clause with Loops
Python provides a unique feature — an else clause that can be used with both for and while loops.The else block executes only if the loop completes normally (i.e., not terminated by a break statement).
Example 1: for-else
for i in range(3):
print("Iteration", i)
else:
print("Loop completed successfully!")
Output:
Iteration 0
Iteration 1
Iteration 2
Loop completed successfully!
Example 2: for-else with break
for i in range(3):
if i == 1:
break
print("Iteration", i)
else:
print("Loop completed successfully!")
Output:
Iteration 0
Nested Loops
You can use loops inside other loops, called nested loops. For example, a for loop inside another for loop.Example:
for i in range(1, 4):
for j in range(1, 3):
print(f"i={i}, j={j}")
Output:
i=1, j=1
i=1, j=2
i=2, j=1
i=2, j=2
i=3, j=1
i=3, j=2
Summary
Loops are the heart of automation in Python — enabling repetition, iteration, and efficient logic building.| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| for loop | Iterates over a sequence (list, string, range, etc.) |
| while loop | Repeats code while a condition is True |
| break | Terminates the loop immediately |
| continue | Skips to the next iteration |
| pass | Placeholder — does nothing |
| loop else | Executes after a loop ends normally (no break) |
