Get started learning Python with DataCamp's free Intro to Python tutorial. Learn Data Science by completing interactive coding challenges and watching videos by expert instructors. Start Now!

This site is generously supported by DataCamp. DataCamp offers online interactive Python Tutorials for Data Science. Join 11 million other learners and get started learning Python for data science today!

Good news! You can save 25% off your Datacamp annual subscription with the code LEARNPYTHON23ALE25 - Click here to redeem your discount

Loops


There are two types of loops in Python, for and while.

The "for" loop

For loops iterate over a given sequence. Here is an example:

For loops can iterate over a sequence of numbers using the "range" and "xrange" functions. The difference between range and xrange is that the range function returns a new list with numbers of that specified range, whereas xrange returns an iterator, which is more efficient. (Python 3 uses the range function, which acts like xrange). Note that the range function is zero based.

"while" loops

While loops repeat as long as a certain boolean condition is met. For example:

"break" and "continue" statements

break is used to exit a for loop or a while loop, whereas continue is used to skip the current block, and return to the "for" or "while" statement. A few examples:

Can we use "else" clause for loops?

Unlike languages like C,CPP.. we can use else for loops. When the loop condition of "for" or "while" statement fails then code part in "else" is executed. If a break statement is executed inside the for loop then the "else" part is skipped. Note that the "else" part is executed even if there is a continue statement.

Here are a few examples:

Exercise

Loop through and print out all even numbers from the numbers list in the same order they are received. Don't print any numbers that come after 237 in the sequence.

This site is generously supported by DataCamp. DataCamp offers online interactive Python Tutorials for Data Science. Join over a million other learners and get started learning Python for data science today!

Previous Tutorial Next Tutorial Take the Test
Copyright © learnpython.org. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy