Loops in C++

What are Loops in C++?

Loops are used to repeat a block of statements at specific times. A loop statement will execute until the given expression evaluates to false.

Need for Looping Statements in C++

• Loops enable the user to repeat the same set of statements without having to write the same code several times.
• It saves time, and effort, and improves efficiency.
• It lowers the possibility of encountering mistakes during compilation.
• Loops make code more clear and understandable, particularly when dealing with complex logic or big data sets.
• It promotes code reuse.
• Loops are useful for traversing data structures like arrays and linked lists.

Types of C++ Loops

C++ programming uses 3 types of loops:

1. for loop
2. while loop
3. do while loop

For Loop in C++

A for loop is a control structure that allows a sequence of instructions to be performed for a predetermined number of iterations. It's an entry-controlled loop. It has three sections: index declaration, condition (boolean expression), and update statement. For loops are useful when you know the precise number of iterations.

Nested for loop in C++

In C++, a nested for loop is one loop inside another, with the inner loop completing all of its iterations for each iteration of the outer loop. 

Infinite for loop in C++

An infinite for loop is formed if the for loop condition remains true or if the programmer fails to apply the test condition/terminating statement within the for loop statement.

For-each loop or range-based for-loop

This is a new type of loop introduced in C++11. It is only used to iterate across elements in an array or vector.

While Loop in C++

In C++, the while loop executes a statement or block of statements until the given expression evaluates to false. This is an entry-controlled loop. In C++, the while loop is used when we do not know how many iterations will be performed.

Nested While Loop in C++

In C++, a nested while loop is one while loop inside another, with the inner loop going through all of its iterations for each iteration of the outer loop.

Infinite While Loop in C++

In C++, an infinite while loop continues indefinitely without a termination condition. It is commonly generated by setting the loop's condition always to be true. 

Do..While Loop

It's an exit-controlled loop. It prints the results at least once before checking the condition. It is similar to the while loop but evaluates the expression after executing the code block. It's useful for one-time executions that depend on defined conditions.

Nested Do...While Loop in C++

In C++, a nested do...while loop consists of one do...while loop inside another, with the inner loop completing all of its iterations for each iteration of the outer loop. This structure is excellent for situations that require repeated actions under varying conditions.

Infinite do...while loop in C++

In C++, an infinite do...while loop continues endlessly without a termination condition, which often comes by setting the loop's condition always to be true. 

Advantages of Loops in C++

• High performance: Compiled language allows for efficient code, making it suited for jobs such as game development, operating systems, and scientific computing.
• Object-oriented programming: Inheritance and encapsulation are aspects that promote modularity, reusability, and maintenance.
• Wide variety of applications: Suitable for desktop apps, games, mobile apps, embedded systems, web development, operating systems, and device drivers.
• Standardized language: ISO-maintained specifications guarantee easy portability across systems, allowing for cross-platform development.
• Large developer community and resources: An active developer community provides an abundance of online resources such as documentation, tutorials, libraries, and frameworks.
• Interoperability with other languages: Seamless interface with C, Python, Java, and other languages, allowing applications to take advantage of the benefits of each.