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Loops in Python
Loops in Python
Introduction:
Python, renowned for its readability and simplicity, empowers programmers with a variety of tools
to efficiently solve problems. One such powerful tool is the ability to use loops, which allow for the
repetition of a set of instructions. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of loops in Python,
exploring the two main types: `for` and `while` loops.
The `for` loop in Python is widely used for iterating over a sequence (that is either a list, tuple,
string, or other iterable objects). The syntax is straightforward and elegant:
```python
for element in sequence:
# Code block to be repeated for each element
```
This loop iterates through each element in the sequence, executing the indented code block. Let's
consider an example where we use a `for` loop to calculate the sum of numbers in a list:
```python
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
sum_result = 0
While loops, on the other hand, continue iterating as long as a certain condition holds true. The
syntax is as follows:
```python
while condition:
# Code block to be repeated as long as the condition is true
```
Let's explore a practical example where we use a `while` loop to find the first ten multiples of 3:
```python
multiples_of_three = []
current_number = 3
This code will output: "The first ten multiples of 3 are: [3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30]".
```python
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
In this example, the loop will print "Found an odd number: 1" and then exit since the `break`
statement is triggered when an even number is encountered.
Conclusion:
Loops are fundamental to programming, enabling the efficient execution of repetitive tasks.
Python's `for` and `while` loops, complemented by control statements, provide a robust framework
for handling various scenarios. Whether you're iterating over elements in a sequence or repeating a
process until a condition is met, mastering loops in Python is a crucial step towards becoming a
proficient programmer.