Python Loops

What Is A Loop?

A loop repeats a block of code. Loops are useful when you need to process many values, count through a range, or keep asking until a condition changes.

Python has two main beginner loop types: for loops and while loops.

For Loops

A for loop repeats once for each item in a sequence.

names = ["Asha", "Riya", "Kabir"]

for name in names:
    print(name)

Output:

Asha
Riya
Kabir

The variable name receives one list item at a time.

Using range()

Use range() when you want to repeat a fixed number of times.

for number in range(5):
    print(number)

Output:

0
1
2
3
4

range(5) starts at 0 and stops before 5. This “stop before” rule is important.

You can also provide a start and stop:

for number in range(1, 6):
    print(number)

This prints 1 through 5.

While Loops

A while loop repeats as long as a condition is true.

count = 1

while count <= 3:
    print(count)
    count += 1

Output:

1
2
3

The update count += 1 is necessary. Without it, the condition may stay true forever.

break And continue

break stops a loop early.

for number in range(1, 6):
    if number == 3:
        break
    print(number)

This prints 1 and 2.

continue skips the rest of the current loop step and moves to the next one.

for number in range(1, 6):
    if number == 3:
        continue
    print(number)

This prints every number from 1 to 5 except 3.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is an infinite loop.

count = 1
while count <= 3:
    print(count)

The value of count never changes, so the condition never becomes false.

Another mistake is expecting range(1, 5) to include 5. It stops before the second number.

Quick Summary

• A loop repeats a block of code.
• for loops work well with sequences and fixed counts.
• while loops repeat while a condition is true.
• range(stop) starts at 0 and stops before stop.
• break exits a loop early.
• continue skips to the next loop step.
• Be careful to avoid infinite while loops.

Practice Quiz

Now practice this topic with MCQs and explanations:

Start the Python Loops quiz