Do while statement in C programming is a control flow statement that allows a block of code to be executed at least once, regardless of whether the condition is true or false. This is particularly useful when you want to ensure that a certain block of code is executed at least once before checking the condition. In this article, we will explore the syntax, usage, and benefits of using the do while statement in C programming.
The do while statement in C programming is structured as follows:
“`c
do {
// code block
} while (condition);
“`
In this structure, the code block is executed first, and then the condition is checked. If the condition is true, the code block is executed again; otherwise, the loop is terminated.
One of the key advantages of using the do while statement is that it guarantees the execution of the code block at least once. This is different from the while statement, which may not execute the code block at all if the condition is initially false.
Let’s consider an example to illustrate the usage of the do while statement:
“`c
include
int main() {
int num = 1;
do {
printf(“The number is: %d”, num);
num++;
} while (num <= 5);
return 0;
}
```
In this example, the code block inside the do while loop prints the value of `num` and increments it by 1. The loop continues until `num` becomes greater than 5. As a result, the output will be:
```
The number is: 1
The number is: 2
The number is: 3
The number is: 4
The number is: 5
```
This demonstrates how the do while statement ensures the execution of the code block at least once, even if the condition is initially false.
Another advantage of the do while statement is its flexibility in handling situations where the loop should continue based on a condition that is evaluated after the code block is executed. This makes it suitable for scenarios such as reading input from a user until a specific condition is met.
In conclusion, the do while statement in C programming is a valuable control flow statement that guarantees the execution of a code block at least once. Its syntax and usage are straightforward, making it an essential tool for developers to handle various programming scenarios.