When do we use a for-loop and when a while-loop?

In general, a for-loop is used when the number of iterations is predefined, and a while-loop is used when the number of iterations is not known in advance. When a for-loop is used, a while-loop can also be used. In this case, we usually prefer using a for-loop, due to the simplicity of its syntax. One example where both types can be used is shown below.

Write a short program to print the numbers 1 to 10.
For-loop:
for i in range(1,10): print(i) While-loop:
i = 1 while (i <= 10): print(i) i += 1
However, this does not work the other way around. Here is an example, where only a while-loop can be used.

Write a short program to calculate the sum of the numbers that the user enters. The program terminates when the user enters a negative number.
While-loop:
message = “Please enter a number!” x = input(message) sum = 0 while(x >= 0): sum += x x = input(message)
There is no way that the above example can be implemented using a for-loop as we don’t know how many numbers the user will enter before entering a negative number. On top of that, every time that the program is executed a different amount of numbers will be entered depending on the situation.

EM
Answered by EIina M. Python tutor

1654 Views

See similar Python Mentoring tutors

Related Python Mentoring answers

All answers ▸

Use recursion to print all the sublists of a given list


How would you get a piece of code to print the numbers 1 to 10


What would output this code? print(hello world)


How do I check if a number is prime using a python program?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences