C++ Break and Continue

In C++, break and continue are control flow statements used within loops to alter their normal execution:

1. Break Statement

The break statement is used to terminate the loop immediately when a certain condition is met:

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    for (int i = 1; i <= 5; ++i) {
        if (i == 3) {
            break;
        }
        std::cout << "Iteration " << i << std::endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

2. Continue Statement

The continue statement is used to skip the remaining code inside the loop for the current iteration and proceed to the next iteration:

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    for (int i = 1; i <= 5; ++i) {
        if (i == 3) {
            continue;
        }
        std::cout << "Iteration " << i << std::endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

3. Using Break in Nested Loops

Example of using break in nested loops:

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    for (int i = 1; i <= 3; ++i) {
        for (int j = 1; j <= 3; ++j) {
            if (j == 2) {
                break; // Exit inner loop when j equals 2
            }
            std::cout << "(" << i << ", " << j << ") ";
        }
        std::cout << std::endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

4. Using Continue in Nested Loops

Example of using continue in nested loops:

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    for (int i = 1; i <= 3; ++i) {
        for (int j = 1; j <= 3; ++j) {
            if (j == 2) {
                continue; // Skip iteration when j equals 2
            }
            std::cout << "(" << i << ", " << j << ") ";
        }
        std::cout << std::endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

Conclusion

break and continue statements provide flexibility and control within loops in C++. This chapter covered their usage to terminate a loop prematurely or skip an iteration based on specified conditions. Mastering these statements allows you to write more efficient and responsive loop constructs in your programs.