For Loop in C

For Loop in C

When you need to execute a block of code several number of times then you need to use looping concept in C language. In C Programming Language for loop is a statement which allows code to be repeatedly executed. It contains 3 parts.

• Initialization
• Condition
• Increment or Decrements

Syntax

for ( initialization; condition; increment )
{
 statement(s);
}

• Initialization: This step is execute first and this is execute only once when we are entering into the loop first time. This step is allow to declare and initialize any loop control variables.
• Condition: This is next step after initialization step, if it is true, the body of the loop is executed, if it is false then the body of the loop does not execute and flow of control goes outside of the for loop.
• Increment or Decrements: After completion of Initialization and Condition steps loop body code is executed and then Increment or Decrements steps is execute. This statement allows to update any loop control variables.

Note: In for loop everything is optional but mandatory to place 2 semicolons (; ;)

Example

for()     // Error
for( ; ; )  // valid

Flow Diagram

Control flow of for loop

• First initialize the variable, It execute only once when we are entering into the loop first time.
• In second step check condition
• In third step control goes inside loop body and execute.
• At last increase the value of variable
• Same process is repeat until condition not false.

See in Detail

Example of for loop

#include<stdio.h>
#include<conio.h>

void main()
{
int i;
clrscr();
for(i=1;i<5;i++)
{
printf("\n%d",i);
}
getch();
}

Output

1
2
3
4

Important Points

• In for loop if condition part is not given then it will repeats infinite times, because condition part will replace it non-zero. So it is always true like.
  for( ; 1; )
• For loop is repeats in anti lock wise direction.
• In for loop also rechecking process will be occurred that is before execution of the statement block, condition part will evaluated.

Example

while(0)  // no repetition
for( ; 0; )  // it will repeats 1 time

Note: Always execution process of for loop is faster than while loop.