Class X / SEBA / Chapter 4 / 2025

CHAPTER : 4 - INTRODUCTION TO LOOPS

Extra Questions and Answers
1. What is a loop in the context of programming?

Answer: A loop in programming is a control structure that allows a set of instructions to be

executed repeatedly based on a condition or a specified number of iterations. It is used to
automate repetitive tasks, reducing the need for redundant code and improving eLiciency.

2. Why are loops important in programming languages like C?

Answer: Loops are important in programming languages like C because they enable the execution
of a block of code multiple times without rewriting it, saving time and eLort. They are essential for
tasks like iterating over data, performing calculations, and processing repetitive operations
eLiciently.

3. What is the primary purpose of using loops in a program?

Answer: The primary purpose of using loops in a program is to automate repetitive tasks by
executing a block of code multiple times until a specific condition is met or for a predefined
number of iterations, thereby improving code eLiciency and readability.

4. Name the diLerent types of loops available in the C programming language.

Answer: The diLerent types of loops in the C programming language are:

- for loop: Used when the number of iterations is known beforehand.

- while loop: Executes as long as a condition is true.

- do-while loop: Similar to the while loop but guarantees at least one execution of the loop body.

5. What is the key diLerence between a while loop and a do-while loop?

Answer: The key diLerence between a while loop and a do-while loop is that a while loop checks
the condition before executing the loop body, so it may not execute at all if the condition is false
initially. In contrast, a do-while loop executes the loop body at least once before checking the
condition, ensuring at least one iteration.

6. How does a for loop diLer from a while loop in C?

Answer: A for loop is typically used when the number of iterations is known, and it combines
initialization, condition checking, and increment/decrement in a single line. A while loop is used
when the number of iterations is unknown, and it only checks a condition before each iteration,
requiring separate initialization and update statements.

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7. What is the general syntax of a for loop in C?

Answer: The general syntax of a for loop in C is:

for (initialization; condition; update) {

// Loop body
}

- Initialization: Sets the starting value of the loop variable.

- Condition: Checked before each iteration; if true, the loop continues.
- Update: Modifies the loop variable after each iteration.

8. Explain the role of the loop variable in a for loop.

Answer: The loop variable in a for loop is used to control the number of iterations. It is initialized
with a starting value, tested against a condition to determine whether the loop should continue,
and updated (incremented or decremented) after each iteration to eventually terminate the loop.

9. What happens if the condition in a while loop is never false?

Answer: If the condition in a while loop is never false, the loop becomes an infinite loop,
continuously executing the loop body without terminating. This can cause the program to hang or
crash unless interrupted externally or a break statement is used.

10. What is the significance of the break statement in a loop?

Answer: The break statement in a loop is used to immediately exit the loop, regardless of whether
the loop’s condition is still true. It is useful for terminating a loop early based on a specific
condition, allowing the program to proceed to the next statement outside the loop.

11. How does the continue statement function in a loop?

Answer: The continue statement in a loop skips the remaining statements in the current iteration
and moves control to the next iteration of the loop. It is used to bypass certain parts of the loop
body for specific conditions while continuing the loop execution.

12. Why is the do-while loop useful in certain programming scenarios?

Answer: The do-while loop is useful in scenarios where the loop body must execute at least once,
regardless of the initial condition. For example, it is ideal for menu-driven programs where the user
must see the menu at least once before deciding whether to continue.

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13. Can loops be used to solve problems involving repetitive calculations? Give an example.

Answer: Yes, loops are ideal for repetitive calculations. For example, to calculate the sum of
numbers from 1 to 10, a for loop can be used:

int sum = 0;
for (int i = 1; i <= 10; i++) {
sum += i;
}
This loop iterates 10 times, adding each number to the sum variable.

14. What is a common mistake to avoid when writing loops in C?

Answer: A common mistake to avoid is creating an infinite loop by not properly updating the loop
variable or setting a condition that never becomes false. For example:

int i = 1;
while (i > 0) {
printf("Infinite loop\n");
}
This loop runs indefinitely because `i` is never updated to make the condition false.

15. How can loops be used to process user input in a C program?

Answer: Loops can be used to process user input by repeatedly prompting the user until valid input
is received or a specific condition is met. For example, a while loop can validate user input:

int number;
while (1) {
printf("Enter a positive number: ");
scanf("%d", &number);
if (number > 0) break;
printf("Invalid input. Try again.\n");
}
This loop continues to prompt the user until a positive number is entered.

16. How do you terminate a loop prematurely?

Answer: Use the break statement to exit the loop immediately.

17. What is the purpose of the continue statement in loops?

Answer: The continue statement skips the current iteration and proceeds to the next iteration of
the loop.

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18.

Differences Between for, while, and do-while Loops in C

Aspect for Loop while Loop do-while Loop

A loop used when the A loop that executes as
A loop that executes at least
number of iterations is long as a condition is
once before checking the
Definition known, combining true, with separate
condition, then continues if
initialization, condition, initialization and
the condition is true.
and update in one line. update.
for (initialization;
while (condition) { // do { // body } while
Syntax condition; update) { //
body } (condition);
body }
Done outside the loop or
Done within the loop Done outside the loop
Initialization within the loop body before
header (e.g., int i = 0). before it starts.
the condition check.
Checked after each iteration,
Condition Checked before each Checked before each
ensuring at least one
Checking iteration. iteration.
execution.
Must be explicitly
Update Included in the loop Must be explicitly coded
coded inside the loop
Statement header (e.g., i++). inside the loop body.
body.
Suitable when the
Ideal for fixed iterations, number of iterations is Useful when the loop body
Use Case like iterating over arrays or unknown, like reading must execute at least once,
counting (e.g., 1 to 10). input until a condition is like menu-driven programs.
met.
Execution if
Executes at least once before
Condition is Does not execute at all. Does not execute at all.
checking the condition.
False Initially
for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) { int i = 1; while (i <= 5)
int i = 1; do { printf("%d ",
Example
printf("%d ", i); } { printf("%d ", i); i++; }
i); i++; } while (i <= 5);
Possible if the update Possible if the condition
Possible if the condition is
Risk of
statement is incorrect or is never updated or never updated or always true,
Infinite Loop
condition is never false. always true. but executes at least once.
Flexible for scenarios
Less flexible due to
More flexible, suitable requiring at least one
Flexibility structured format, best for
for dynamic conditions. execution, like user input
predictable iterations.
validation.