Loops in Python

Ever needed to do something over and over in your code? That's where loops come in handy! Python gives you two main types: for loops and while loops.

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What Are Loops Anyway?

Loops let you run the same code multiple times without copy-pasting it everywhere. You just tell Python "keep doing this until I say stop" and it handles the rest.

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The For Loop

Use a for loop when you already know how many times you want something to happen. It goes through a sequence (like a list, string, or range of numbers) one item at a time.

# Example: Print numbers from 1 to 5 using a for loop

for i in range(1, 6):
    print(i)

What's happening here:

• range(1, 6) creates numbers from 1 to 5
• The loop prints each number once

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The While Loop

A while loop keeps going as long as something stays true. It's like saying "keep doing this while this condition is true."

# Example: Print numbers from 1 to 5 using a while loop

i = 1
while i <= 5:
    print(i)
    i += 1  # don't forget this or you'll loop forever!

What's happening here:

• Start with i = 1
• Keep printing while i is 5 or less
• Add 1 to i each time (super important - skip this and your code runs forever!)

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Real Example: Multiplication Table

Let's build something useful - a multiplication table generator that works with any number.

# Program to print multiplication table using a for loop

number = int(input("Enter a number: "))

print(f"\nMultiplication Table of {number}")

for i in range(1, 11):
    print(f"{number} x {i} = {number * i}")

Try this: Rewrite it using a while loop instead and see how the logic changes!

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Quick Tips

• Use for when you know exactly how many times to loop
• Use while when you're looping based on a condition that might change
• Always have an exit strategy - make sure your loop will eventually stop (nobody likes infinite loops!)

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Bottom Line

Loops show up everywhere in programming - processing data, building games, automating tasks, you name it. Get comfortable with them and you've unlocked one of Python's most useful features.

Trust me, once loops click, a lot of coding suddenly becomes way easier.