Mastering TypeScript Loops: while and do-while

Learn about TypeScript's while and do-while loops for iterative execution of code blocks. Understand their syntax, differences, and practical applications with examples to efficiently manage repetitive tasks in your code.



TypeScript Loops: while and do-while

Learn about TypeScript's while and do-while loops for iterative execution of code blocks. Understand their differences, syntax, and usage with practical examples.

The while Loop

The while loop in TypeScript is a control flow statement that repeatedly executes a block of code as long as a specified condition evaluates to true. It's an entry-controlled loop, meaning the condition is checked before the loop body is executed.

Syntax

while (condition) {
  // code to be executed
}
Example

let count = 0;
while (count < 5) {
  console.log("Count:", count);
  count++;
}

The do-while Loop

The do-while loop is similar to the while loop, but it guarantees that the loop body is executed at least once before checking the condition. It's an exit-controlled loop.

Syntax

do {
  // code to be executed
} while (condition);
Example

let count = 0;
do {
  console.log("Count:", count);
  count++;
} while (count < 5);

Key Differences

Feature while loop do-while loop
Condition check Before loop body After loop body
Minimum executions 0 1

Choosing the Right Loop

  • Use a while loop when you're unsure if the loop body should execute at least once.
  • Use a do-while loop when you need to guarantee at least one execution of the loop body.

Common Pitfalls

  • Infinite loops: Ensure the loop condition eventually becomes false to avoid infinite loops.
  • Off-by-one errors: Carefully consider loop termination conditions to prevent incorrect results.

Best Practices

  • Use clear and concise loop conditions.
  • Indent the loop body for readability.
  • Consider using for loops for simple iterators over arrays or ranges.

By understanding the while and do-while loops, you can effectively control the flow of your TypeScript programs.