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.