Java Part 2: Syntax - Iterations and looping

(Page 5 of 8 )

Iterations follow the same language formation as those in C and C++.

The for loop

The for loop contains a header and body. The header is as follows:

(initializing statement; condition; statement to execute)

{

// code to execute if condition is true

}

Initializing statement:

The initializing statement sets up any variables or conditions which are needed by the loop.

Condition:

The condition must evaluate to true / false and can be any expression that does. If it evaluates to true, then the following statement is executed and the body of the loop is also executed.

Statement to execute:

Executed if the previous conditional statement evaluates to true.

Loop body:

Executed if the previous conditional statement evaluates to true. If not, the entire body is skipped.

Here is a simple for loop:

for( int i = 0 ; i < 100 ; i++ )

{

// perform some action

}

Note that a for loop always needs two semi-colons as part of its header to avoid a compilation error. These semicolons do not necessarily need assignments, truth tests or incrementing statements between them but the colons must be present. Indenting the body code is also a must when using for loops.

for(;;)

{ }

The code above would iterate indefinitely.

Next: The while loop >>
 

More Java Articles
More By Chris Noack

Comments On: Java Part 2: Syntax

>>> Be the FIRST to comment on this article!