Table of Contents (Click any Topic to view first)
- Syntax of the Continue Statement
- Example 1: Using Continue in a for Loop
- Example 2: Using Continue in a while Loop
- Example 3: Using Continue in a Nested Loop
Understanding the Continue Statement in Java
In Java programming, the continue statement offers a way to skip the current iteration of a loop and proceed directly to the next iteration. It's particularly useful for controlling loop execution flow when certain conditions are met within an iteration. Let's explore the continue statement in Java with detailed explanations and examples.
The continue statement is straightforward in its syntax and usage:
continue;
When encountered inside a loop, the continue statement causes the current iteration to be skipped, and the loop proceeds with the next iteration.
public class ContinueInForLoop {
public static void main(String[] args) {
for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
if (i == 3) {
continue; // Skip iteration when i is 3
}
System.out.println("Iteration " + i);
}
}
}
In this example, the for loop iterates from 1 to 5, but when i equals 3, the continue statement is encountered. As a result, the iteration for i = 3 is skipped, and the loop proceeds with the next iteration. The output will exclude "Iteration 3".
public class ContinueInWhileLoop {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int i = 1;
while (i <= 5) {
if (i == 3) {
i++; // Increment i to avoid infinite loop
continue; // Skip iteration when i is 3
}
System.out.println("Iteration " + i);
i++;
}
}
}
Similarly, this code demonstrates the use of the continue statement within a while loop. When i equals 3, the current iteration is skipped using continue, and the loop proceeds with the next iteration.
public class ContinueInNestedLoop {
public static void main(String[] args) {
for (int i = 1; i <= 3; i++) {
for (int j = 1; j <= 3; j++) {
if (j == 2) {
continue; // Skip inner loop when j is 2
}
System.out.println("i: " + i + ", j: " + j);
}
}
}
}
In this example, the continue statement is used within a nested loop structure. When j equals 2 in the inner loop, the continue statement skips the rest of the inner loop iterations for that specific iteration of the outer loop.
Conclusion:
The continue statement in Java provides a mechanism to control loop execution flow by skipping the current iteration when certain conditions are met. Whether used in for loops, while loops, or nested loops, the continue statement offers precision and control in program flow.
