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while vs do-while, break vs continue

Question JS-LOP-002

What is the difference between a while loop and a do...while loop? What do break and continue do?

Show the explanation

Model answer.

  • `while (cond) { ... }` checks the condition first, so the body may run zero times.
  • `do { ... } while (cond)` runs the body once before checking, so it always runs at least once. Useful for "ask until valid" input loops.
JavaScript
let tries = 0;
do { tries++; } while (tries < 0);   // body still ran once: tries = 1
  • `break` leaves the loop immediately.
  • `continue` skips the rest of the current iteration and moves to the next check.
JavaScript
for (const n of [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]) {
  if (n === 2) continue;   // skip 2
  if (n === 4) break;      // stop at 4
  console.log(n);          // prints 1, 3
}

With nested loops, a label lets break outer; exit both loops at once.

Original UniCircle question. Last reviewed 22 Oct 2026.