What is the purpose of the for loop statement in C++?
The for loop statement in C++ is a structure that allows a specific code block to be repeatedly executed. It is used to repeat a certain number of times or to repeat under a certain condition.
A for loop consists of three parts.
- Initialization expression: Executed once before the loop begins to initialize the loop variable.
- Loop condition: Before each iteration, it is checked to determine if it is true, then the loop body is executed. If it is false, the loop is exited.
- Increment/decrement in loops: Executed once after each loop iteration to update the value of the loop variable.
The primary purpose of a for loop includes:
- Iterate through an array or container: You can use a for loop to traverse the elements in the array or container and perform the same operation on each element.
- Control the number of loops: It is possible to repeat a certain piece of code by specifying the number of loops, such as outputting a series of numbers or printing a multiplication table.
- Repeated execution when specific conditions are met: With the help of loop condition checking, a certain code segment can be repeatedly executed when specific conditions are met, such as input validation or continuously reading user input.
In conclusion, the for loop is a very commonly used control flow structure in C++. It allows code to be repeated a specified number of times or repeatedly executed when certain conditions are met, improving code reusability and efficiency.