📚 Topic Summary
A 'while' loop is a fundamental control flow statement in programming that allows code to be executed repeatedly based on a given Boolean condition. While the condition evaluates to true, the code block within the loop continues to execute. Understanding how to use 'while' loops safely is crucial to prevent issues like infinite loops and resource exhaustion. Safe usage involves ensuring that the loop's condition will eventually become false, thereby terminating the loop.
However, if the condition never becomes false, the loop will run indefinitely, leading to an infinite loop. This can cause the program to freeze or crash. Best practices for using 'while' loops include carefully designing the loop's condition and ensuring that the loop body contains code that modifies the variables involved in the condition, eventually leading to its termination. Proper planning and testing are key to avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring the reliability of your code.
🧮 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Iteration |
A. A condition that, if always true, causes a loop to run forever. |
| 2. Boolean Condition |
B. A single pass through the loop's code block. |
| 3. Infinite Loop |
C. A statement that alters the flow of execution in a loop (e.g., break, continue). |
| 4. Loop Control Statement |
D. An expression that evaluates to either true or false, determining whether a loop continues. |
| 5. Resource Exhaustion |
E. The consumption of all available system resources due to an infinite loop or other runaway process. |
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words: condition, infinite, terminate, variables, true.
A 'while' loop continues to execute as long as its __________ remains __________. To avoid an __________ loop, it's crucial to ensure that the loop will eventually __________. This is typically achieved by modifying the __________ involved in the loop's condition within the loop body.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Describe a scenario where using a 'while' loop might be more appropriate than using a 'for' loop. Explain your reasoning.
