Assignment on Do-While Loop in C Programming
Submitted by: ____________
Course: B.Sc. Computer Science (Cyber Security)
Subject: C Programming
Year: First Year
Introduction
In programming, loops are used to execute a set of instructions repeatedly until a
specific condition is met. In C programming, there are mainly three types of loops —
for loop, while loop, and do-while loop. Among these, the do-while loop is unique
because it executes the body of the loop at least once before checking the condition.
Definition of Do-While Loop
A do-while loop in C is an exit-controlled loop. This means that the loop's condition
is checked after executing the loop body. Hence, the body of the loop is always
executed at least once, regardless of whether the condition is true or false.
Syntax of Do-While Loop
The general syntax of a do-while loop in C is as follows:
do {
// statements to execute
} while (condition);
Here, the statements inside the loop are executed first, and then the condition is
evaluated. If the condition is true, the loop executes again; otherwise, it terminates.
Flowchart of Do-While Loop
The flowchart of a do-while loop can be described as follows:
1. Start
2. Execute the loop body
3. Check the condition
4. If the condition is true, go back to step 2
5. If the condition is false, exit the loop
6. Stop
Example Program
Here is an example of a simple do-while loop in C:
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
int i = 1;
do {
printf("%d\n", i);
i++;
} while (i <= 5);
return 0;
}
Output:
1
2
3
4
5
In this example, the loop prints numbers from 1 to 5. Even if the condition were
false initially, the loop body would still execute once.
Comparison with While Loop
The main difference between a while loop and a do-while loop is the point at which
the condition is checked.
- In a while loop, the condition is checked before the body is executed.
- In a do-while loop, the body is executed first, and then the condition is checked.
This means a do-while loop guarantees at least one execution of the loop body,
whereas a while loop may execute zero times.
Practical Use Cases
Do-while loops are often used when the loop body must be executed at least once.
Examples include:
- Displaying a menu to a user and asking for input until they choose to exit.
- Repeating a set of statements based on user confirmation.
- Input validation where the user must enter data at least once.
Common Mistakes
Some common mistakes students make while using do-while loops include:
1. Forgetting the semicolon (;) after the while(condition) statement.
2. Using the wrong condition that causes an infinite loop.
3. Misunderstanding that the loop executes at least once.
4. Improper variable initialization before the loop.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Ensures at least one execution of the loop body.
- Useful for menu-driven programs.
- Simple syntax and easy to understand.
Disadvantages:
- May execute unnecessarily if the condition is false initially.
- Harder to predict the number of iterations compared to for loop.
Conclusion
The do-while loop in C is an essential looping structure that ensures a block of code
executes at least once before evaluating a condition. It is especially useful for
programs that require initial user interaction, like menu-driven systems or input
validation. Understanding the do-while loop helps beginners strengthen their
control flow concepts and improves their problem-solving skills in C programming.
