Control Flow Structures

                                        

  • In the world of programming, control flow structures are fundamental components that decide the sequence in which instructions and statements are executed. These structures enable developers to write flexible, efficient, and readable code.

1. Sequential

2. Conditional

3. Iterational

 

1. Sequential Control Flow:

  • Sequential control flow is the most straightforward form of control flow. Here, the instructions are executed one after another, exactly in the order they appear in the code. This is the default mode of operation in most programming languages.

2. Conditional Control Flow –

  • Conditional control flow allows programs to make decisions based on specific conditions.

(i) if

(ii) if-else

(iii) if-elif-else

(iv) nested if

(i) if condition:

  • Mandatory format of ‘if’ condition is –

● Keyword ‘ if ’

● Colon in the end of if condition

● Indentation before the start of the next line.


(ii) If-Else Condition:

  • In Python, the logic inside an `if` statement is executed only if the condition evaluates to `True`. If the condition is not met, the code inside the `else` block will be executed.


(iii) Using Elif for Multiple Conditions:

  • When there are multiple conditions to check, `elif` (short for "else if") can be used. This allows you to handle several alternative cases. 
  • In case the ‘elif’ statements do not meet, ‘else’ statement will be executed.

Logical Operators:

Python supports logical operators `and` and `or` for combining multiple conditions.




(iv) Nested If:

  • A nested if statement is an if statement that is placed inside another if or else statement. This allows for more complex decision-making structures by evaluating multiple conditions in a hierarchical manner.

 


3. Iterational Control Flow –

  • Iterational control flow, or looping, enables the execution of a block of code multiple times.
  • Loops are a fundamental aspect of programming, enabling repetitive execution of code. Python provides two primary loop constructs: the 'for' loop and the 'while' loop. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore these loops in detail, covering syntax, applications, and advanced techniques.

(i) for loop:

  • The 'for' loop is essential for iterating over sequences such as lists, tuples, strings, sets, and dictionaries. It allows access to individual items within a sequence and executes a set of statements for each item.

for loop using range:

  • Range is used to print a specific interval of values.

Syntax: range( start_value, end_value, step_value )


Note:

If the start_value < end_value, values increment. Step_size must be positive.

If the start_value > end_value, values decrease. Step_size must be negative.

For loop on String:

For loop over lists:


For loop over dictionary:


  • In the above example, for loop gives only the keys but not the values.
  • To print the values, let us look at the example below:

Power of Control Flow:

  • Control flow statements such as 'break' and 'continue' provide dynamic control over loop execution. These statements enhance the flexibility and efficiency of loop constructs in Python.
  • 'break' can be used to exit a loop prematurely 

  • 'continue' to skip the current iteration and proceed to the next. 

Nested Loops:

  • Nested loops, where one loop is nested within another, are powerful constructs for handling complex scenarios. 

(ii) while:

  • While 'for' loops offer a structured approach to iterate over sequences, the 'while' loop provides a flexible mechanism to execute statements as long as a condition holds true.
  • The 'while' loop in Python continuously executes a block of code as long as a specified condition remains true. This provides a dynamic approach to repetitive execution, allowing for flexible control flow within a program.

Syntax:

initialization

while(condition for termination):

            incrementation/decrementation (or)

            statement

            incrementation/decrementation

 

while loop on string:


while loop on range( ):

while loop on List:

while loop on dictionary:


'else' Statement with While Loops:

  • One unique feature of Python's 'while' loop is the 'else' statement, which executes a block of code once the loop condition becomes false.

Break and Continue:

  • Control flow statements such as 'break' and 'continue' provide granular control over loop execution within 'while' loops. 
  • 'break' can prematurely exit a loop based on a specified condition.

  • 'continue' allows for skipping iterations selectively.







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