Skip to main content

C++ Break Statement

C++ break Statement

In C++, the break statement terminates the loop when it is encountered.

The syntax of the break statement is:

break;

Before you learn about the break statement, make sure you know about:

  • C++ for loop
  • C++ if...else
  • C++ while loop

Working of C++ break Statement

Working of break statement in C++


Example 1: break with for loop

// program to print the value of i

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
        // break condition     
        if (i == 3) {
            break;
        }
        cout << i << endl;
    }

return 0;
}

Output

1
2

In the above program, the for loop is used to print the value of i in each iteration. Here, notice the code:

if (i == 3) {
    break;
}

This means, when i is equal to 3, the break statement terminates the loop. Hence, the output doesn't include values greater than or equal to 3.

Note: The break statement is usually used with decision-making statements.

Example 2: break with while loop

// program to find the sum of positive numbers
// if the user enters a negative numbers, break ends the loop
// the negative number entered is not added to sum

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int number;
    int sum = 0;

    while (true) {
        // take input from the user
        cout << "Enter a number: ";
        cin >> number;

        // break condition
        if (number < 0) {
            break;
        }

        // add all positive numbers
        sum += number;
    }

    // display the sum
    cout << "The sum is " << sum << endl;

    return 0;
}

Output

Enter a number: 1
Enter a number: 2
Enter a number: 3
Enter a number: -5
The sum is 6.

In the above program, the user enters a number. The while loop is used to print the total sum of numbers entered by the user. Here, notice the code,

if(number < 0) {
    break;
}

The while loop continues until the user enters a negative number.

break with Nested loop

When break is used with nested loops, break terminates the inner loop. For example,

// using break statement inside
// nested for loop

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int number;
    int sum = 0;

    // nested for loops

    // first loop
    for (int i = 1; i <= 3; i++) {
        // second loop
        for (int j = 1; j <= 3; j++) {
            if (i == 2) {
                break;
            }
            cout << "i = " << i << ", j = " << j << endl;
        }
    }

    return 0;
}

Output

i = 1, j = 1
i = 1, j = 2
i = 1, j = 3
i = 3, j = 1
i = 3, j = 2
i = 3, j = 3

In the above program, the break statement is executed when i == 2. It terminates the inner loop, and the control flow of the program moves to the outer loop.

Hence, the value of i = 2 is never displayed in the output.

The break statement is also used with the switch statement. To learn more, visit C++ switch statement.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

C++ Variable

C++ Variables: Named Storage Units In C++, variables serve as named boxes in memory that hold values during program execution. Each variable has three key aspects: 1. Data Type: Defines the kind of data a variable can store: numbers (integers, floating-point, etc.), characters, boolean values (true/false), or custom data structures (arrays, objects). Common data types: int : Whole numbers (e.g., -10, 0, 23) float : Decimal numbers (e.g., 3.14, -2.5) double : More precise decimal numbers char : Single characters (e.g., 'a', 'Z', '&') bool : True or false values 2. Name: A user-defined label for the variable, chosen according to naming conventions: Start with a letter or underscore. Contain letters, digits, and underscores. Case-sensitive (e.g.,  age  and  Age  are different). Not a reserved keyword (e.g.,  int ,  for ). Choose meaningful names that reflect the variable's purpose. 3. Value: The actual data stored in the variable, which must match its data...
Post a Comment
Read more

C++ Data Types

C++ Data Types In C++, data types are crucial for defining the kind of information your variables can hold and the operations you can perform on them. They ensure memory allocation and prevent unexpected behavior. Here's a breakdown of the key data types: Fundamental Data Types: Integer:   int  - Used for whole numbers (negative, zero, or positive). Examples:  int age = 25; Floating-point:   float  and  double  - Represent decimal numbers.  float  offers less precision but faster processing, while  double  is more precise but slower. Examples:  float pi = 3.14159; double distance = 123.456789; Character:   char  - Stores single characters (letters, numbers, symbols). Examples:  char initial = 'A'; Boolean:   bool  - Represents true or false values. Examples:  bool isLoggedIn = true; Void:   void  - Indicates a lack of value. Primarily used...
Post a Comment
Read more

C++ Functions

C++ Functions A function is a block of code that performs a specific task. Suppose we need to create a program to create a circle and color it. We can create two functions to solve this problem: a function to draw the circle a function to color the circle Dividing a complex problem into smaller chunks makes our program easy to understand and reusable. There are two types of function: Standard Library Functions:  Predefined in C++ User-defined Function:  Created by users In this tutorial, we will focus mostly on user-defined functions. C++ User-defined Function C++ allows the programmer to define their own function. A user-defined function groups code to perform a specific task and that group of code is given a name (identifier). When the function is invoked from any part of the program, it all executes the codes defined in the body of the function. C++ Function Declaration The syntax to declare a function is: returnType functionName (parameter1, parameter2,...) { // func...
Post a Comment
Read more