A Quick Note on Python While Loops

Loops are a fundamental concept in programming that allow you to execute a block of code repeatedly. In Python, the while loop is used to execute a set of statements as long as a condition is true.

The while Loop

The while loop requires a condition to be set up before the loop. The loop will continue to run as long as the condition is true.

i = 1
while i < 6:
    print(i)
    i += 1

The break Statement

With the break statement, we can stop the loop even if the while condition is true.

i = 1
while i < 6:
    print(i)
    if i == 3:
        break
    i += 1

The continue Statement

With the continue statement, we can stop the current iteration and continue with the next.

i = 0
while i < 6:
    i += 1
    if i == 3:
        continue
    print(i)

The else Statement

With the else statement, we can run a block of code once when the condition no longer is true.

i = 1
while i < 6:
    print(i)
    i += 1
else:
    print("i is no longer less than 6")

Conclusion

The while loop is a powerful tool for creating loops that run as long as a certain condition is met. By using break and continue, you can control the flow of the loop with even more precision. The else statement provides a way to execute code after the loop has finished normally. Understanding how to use while loops effectively is a key skill for any Python programmer.