Jumping Statements in C++

In the previous lesson, we covered iterative statements such as entry controlled and exit controlled loops, which allow us to repeat a block of code multiple times. Now, let's explore jumping statements in C++, which provide a way to alter the flow of execution within a program. Jumping statements allow you to transfer control to different parts of the code, skip certain sections, or terminate the execution of a loop or function. In the next lesson, we will delve into arrays, a fundamental data structure in C++ that allows you to store and manipulate collections of elements.

The three jumping statements in C++ are:

1. break: The break statement is used to exit from a loop or switch statement. When encountered, it immediately terminates the innermost loop or switch and transfers control to the next statement outside the loop or switch.
2. continue: The continue statement is used to skip the remaining code within the current iteration of a loop and move to the next iteration. It allows you to skip certain parts of the loop's body based on a specific condition.
3. return: The return statement is used to exit from a function and return a value to the caller. When encountered, it terminates the execution of the current function and returns the specified value (if any) back to the calling code.

Example Usage:

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    for (int i = 1; i <= 10; i++) {
        if (i == 5) {
            break;    // Exit the loop when i is equal to 5
        }
        if (i % 2 == 0) {
            continue; // Skip even numbers and move to the next iteration
        }
        std::cout << i << " ";
    }

    return 0;
}

In the above example, the break statement is used to exit the loop when the variable i is equal to 5. The continue statement is used to skip even numbers and move to the next iteration. The output of this program will be: 1 3 .

Conclusion

Jumping statements in C++ provide a way to alter the flow of execution within a program. The break statement allows you to exit from a loop or switch, the continue statement allows you to skip certain parts of a loop, and the return statement allows you to exit from a function. Understanding and using jumping statements effectively can make your code more flexible and efficient. In the next lesson, we will dive into arrays, a powerful data structure that will expand your capabilities in C++ programming.