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JavaScript/Typescript

Topic:do-while loop

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The do...while loop in JavaScript is a control structure that is similar to the while loop, but it guarantees that thecode block is executed at least once, even if the condition is initially false. It is used to repeatedly execute a block of code while a specified condition is true. Here's a deep explanation of the do...while loop:

Basic Syntax:

The basic syntax of a do...whileloop is as follows:

javascriptdo {
  // Code to be executed
} while (condition);
  • The code block is executed first.

  • Then, the condition is checked.

  • If the condition is true, the loop continues, and the code block is executed again.

  • If the condition is false, the loop terminates.

Example:

Here's a simple do...while loop that counts from 1to 5:

javascriptlet i = 1;

do {
  console.log(i);
  i++;
} while (i <= 5);

In this example:

  • The code block is executed at least once because the condition is checked after the code block.

  • let i = 1 initializes the loop control variable to 1.

  • i <= 5 is the condition that is checked after each iteration. The loop continues as long as it's true.

  • i++ increments by after each iteration.

Infinite Loop:

A do...while loop can also create an infinite loop if the condition never becomes false. To prevent infinite loops, ensure that the condition will eventually evaluate to false or use a loop control statement like break inside the loop.

Example:

Here's an infinite loop:

javascriptdo {
  console.log('This is an infinite loop');
} while (true);

This loop will run indefinitely because the condition is always true.

Loop Control Statements:

Inside a do...while loop, you can use loop control statements like break and continue to modify the loop's behavior.

  • break: Terminates the loop prematurely, even if the condition is still true.

  • continue: Skips the current iteration and moves to the next one.

Example:

Here's a do...while loop that uses break and continue:

javascriptlet i = 1;

do {
  if (i === 3) {
    break; // exit the loop when i equals 3
  }
  if (i === 2) {
    i++; // skip the iteration when i equals 2
    continue;
  }
  console.log(i);
  i++;
} while (i <= 5);

example:

the loop breaks when i is 3and skips the iteration when i is 2.

Use Cases:

do...while loops are often used when you need to perform a task an unknown number of times but still want to ensure that the code block is executed at least once. Common use cases include:

  • Reading data from a stream until the end is reached.

  • Implementing game loops and animations.

  • Iterating through arrays or other data structures.

Advantages:

  • do...while loops are suitable for situations where the number of iterations isn't known in advance and you want to guarantee the execution of the code block at least once.

  • They are useful for tasks that involve continuous monitoring and repetition.

Disadvantages:

  • Care must be taken to avoid creating infinite loops that can freeze your application.

  • The code inside a do...while loop should ensure that the condition eventually becomes false to prevent infinite looping.

In summary, the do...while loop in JavaScript is a versatile looping construct that ensures the code block is executed at least once, even if the condition is initially false. It's a powerful tool for situations where you need to perform tasks until a certain condition is met or monitor conditions continuously.

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