A loop is a programming structure that repeats a sequence of instructions until a specific condition is met. Loops allow you to repeat a process over and over without having to write the same instructions each time you want your program to perform a task, especially if the instruction is long and a pain to write over and over again.
Two major types of loops are for loops and while loops. A For loop will run a preset number of times. A While loop will run a variable number of times.
For loops are used for when you know how many times you want to run an algorithm before stopping. An example of a for loop is loading laundry into the washer. Say you have 4 steps. Step 1: Unload dirty laundry. Step 2: Sort out laundry load. Step 3: Put laundry in the washing machine. Step 4: Turn on machine.
A while loop is similar, but a while loop runs a variable number of times. It would be similar steps, but IF the laundry is not cleaned you run it again.
Oh, interesting how you compared loops to laundry. Makes you think of these programs differently but is a good way to help you remember the difference.
I think your explanation of the “for” loop is very detailed, which makes me understand the specific principle of it and how it can be used in the program.
You explained loops very well and used great examples.
Hello Sami,
While I was studying loops and reading over the slides, I found it slightly confusing to decipher the difference between a for loop and a while loop. The part that confused me was that they both execute when the condition is false. Your example about laundry helped me greatly with understanding what a for loop is. A for loop is used when you know the number of times you want your code to run, whereas with the while loop, you are unsure of how many times to code has to run in order fo rit to execute false. Thank you for your post, it helped simplify the meanings in a way that was easy to understand.