🔁 do-while loop in Java
When you want your code to run at least once, no matter what, the do-while loop is your best option. Unlike while and for, which check conditions before executing, the do-while loop checks the condition after running the code block.
This makes it perfect for menus, input validation, and interactive programs. 🚀
🧐 What is a do-while loop?
A do-while loop executes a block of code once before checking the condition. Then, it continues running as long as the condition is true.
👉 Syntax:
do {
// Code to be executed
} while(condition);
🔍 How it Works
1️⃣ Code block executes once (even if condition is false).
2️⃣ Condition is checked.
3️⃣ If true → loop repeats.
4️⃣ If false → loop stops.
✅ Example 1: Print Numbers from 1 to 5
int i = 1;
do {
System.out.println("Number: " + i);
i++;
} while(i <= 5);
Output:
Number: 1
Number: 2
Number: 3
Number: 4
Number: 5
🚀 Why use do-while loop?
✔️ Ensures code runs at least once.
✔️ Great for menu-driven programs.
✔️ Useful for user input validation.
⚡ Popular Examples of do-while loop
1️⃣ User Input Menu
Scanner sc = new Scanner(System.in);
int choice;
do {
System.out.println("1. Play");
System.out.println("2. Settings");
System.out.println("3. Exit");
System.out.print("Enter your choice: ");
choice = sc.nextInt();
} while(choice != 3);
2️⃣ Guess the Number Game
int secret = 7;
int guess;
Scanner sc = new Scanner(System.in);
do {
System.out.print("Guess the number (1-10): ");
guess = sc.nextInt();
} while(guess != secret);
System.out.println("🎉 Correct! You guessed it!");
3️⃣ Execute Once Even if Condition is False
int num = 10;
do {
System.out.println("This runs once!");
num++;
} while(num < 0);
Output:
This runs once!
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Perfect for menus, input-driven apps, and games.
✅ Always ends with a semicolon (;) → don’t forget it!
✅ Be careful with conditions → or you’ll end up in an infinite loop.
🔑 Difference between while and do-while
| Feature | while loop | do-while loop |
|---|---|---|
| Condition check | Before code runs | After code runs |
| Minimum execution | 0 times (if false initially) | 1 time (always executes once) |
| Use case | Unknown iterations | Menus, input validation |
✅ In short:
The do-while loop is the go-to loop when you need the code to run at least once, making it highly useful in interactive and menu-based Java programs.