Python Loops Overview

What are Loops in Python?

Loops are used in Python to execute a block of code multiple times. Python provides two primary loop types:

  • for loop – Iterates over a sequence (e.g., list, tuple, dictionary, string).
  • while loop – Runs as long as a specified condition is true.

For Loop

The for loop is used when you want to iterate over a sequence.

fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
for fruit in fruits:
    print(fruit)

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While Loop

The while loop is used when you want to repeat a block of code as long as a condition is true.

x = 0
while x < 5:
    print(x)
    x += 1

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Loop Control Statements

Python provides loop control statements to manage the flow of loops:

  • break – Exits the loop completely.
  • continue – Skips the rest of the loop iteration and moves to the next one.
  • pass – Placeholder for empty loops.

Break Statement Example

for num in range(10):
    if num == 5:
        break
    print(num)

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Continue Statement Example

for num in range(5):
    if num == 2:
        continue
    print(num)

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Nested Loops

A loop inside another loop is called a nested loop.

for i in range(3):
    for j in range(2):
        print(f"i: {i}, j: {j}")

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Else in Loops

Python allows an else block in loops, which executes when the loop finishes normally (i.e., without encountering a break).

for num in range(3):
    print(num)
else:
    print("Loop completed")

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