Introduction

Now that you’re familiar with the basics of Java, it’s time to learn about loops! Loops are a key feature in programming, allowing you to execute a block of code multiple times. In this lesson, we’ll focus on two common types of loops in Java: for and while loops.

What is a For Loop?

A for loop is great when you know exactly how many times you want to repeat a task. Here’s the structure:

for (initialization; condition; update) {
    // Code to execute
}

Example: Printing Numbers from 1 to 5

for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
    System.out.println(i);
}

Output:
1 2 3 4 5

What is a For Loop?

A while loop is ideal when the number of iterations depends on a condition being true. Here’s how it works:

while (condition) {
    // Code to execute
}

Example: Printing Numbers from 1 to 5

int i = 1;
while (i <= 5) {
    System.out.println(i);
    i++;
}

Output:
1 2 3 4 5

For Loop vs. While Loop

For LoopWhile Loop
Use when iterations are known.Use when iterations depend on a condition.
Initialization, condition, and update are in one line.Initialization and update are written separately.

Practice Activity

  1. Watch the video tutorial below and finish the pop quiz inside.
  2. You are ready! now take our ultimate final exam to prove yourself!
  3. Independently use the Java language to print a pyramid using what we have learned in these two lessons (print syntax, variables, for/while loop), using the character “*” and the number of pyramid levels to be three or more.

Java Boot Camp Ultimate Final Exam

* The contents in this final exam is made with assistance of ChatGPT 4o

Grade scale:

  • 11/11: A+
  • 8/11: A
  • 6/11: B
  • 4/11: C
  • 0-3/11: D

Send the output pyramid visual pattern in the comments section and ask questions if you have any.

References

“Quiz questions for Java on the topic of for/while loop, print and variables” prompt. ChatGPT, 29 Nov. version, OpenAI, 3 Dec. 2024, chat.openai.com/chat.