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Python control statements

Here is a clear, complete, and exam-oriented explanation of Python Control Statements, perfect for BCA/MCA/B.Tech students.

Python Control Statements

Control statements in Python are used to control the flow of execution in a program.
They help in decision-making, looping, and jumping from one part of the code to another.

In Python, control statements are mainly of three types:

  1. Decision Control Statements
  2. Loop Control Statements
  3. Jump (Transfer) Control Statements

Let’s discuss each of them in detail.

1. Decision Control Statements

These statements help the program choose a path based on conditions.

Includes:

  • if
  • if-else
  • if-elif-else
  • Nested if
  • Short-hand if

Example:

age = 18
if age >= 18:
    print("Eligible to vote")
else:
    print("Not eligible")

Used when you want to make decisions in the program.

2. Loop Control Statements

These statements are used to repeat a block of code multiple times.

Includes:

  • for loop
  • while loop
  • Loop with else

2.1 for Loop

Used to iterate over a sequence.

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

2.2 while Loop

Runs as long as the condition remains True.

i = 1
while i <= 5:
    print(i)
    i += 1

2.3 else with Loops

Executed only if loop ends normally (without break).

for i in range(3):
    print(i)
else:
    print("Loop ended normally")

3. Jump (Transfer) Control Statements

These statements change the normal flow of the loop.

Includes:

  • break
  • continue
  • pass

3.1 break Statement

Used to exit the loop immediately.

Example:

for i in range(10):
    if i == 5:
        break
    print(i)

Output:

0 1 2 3 4

3.2 continue Statement

Skips the current iteration and continues the loop.

Example:

for i in range(6):
    if i == 3:
        continue
    print(i)

Output:

0 1 2 4 5

3.3 pass Statement

Does nothing.
Used as a placeholder in loops, conditions, classes, or functions.

Example:

for i in range(5):
    if i == 3:
        pass  # No action
    print(i)

Summary Table of Control Statements

CategoryStatementsPurpose
Decision Controlif, if-else, if-elif-elseMake decisions
Looping Controlfor, while, elseRepeat code
Jump Controlbreak, continue, passModify flow inside loops

Real-Life Example: Student Marks Evaluation

marks = 85

if marks >= 90:
    print("Excellent")
elif marks >= 75:
    print("Very Good")
elif marks >= 50:
    print("Average")
else:
    print("Fail")

Real-Life Example: Search in a List

names = ["Ram", "Sham", "Mohan"]

for name in names:
    if name == "Sham":
        print("Found!")
        break
else:
    print("Not found")

Conclusion

Python control statements allow you to:

✔ Make decisions
✔ Repeat tasks
✔ Jump or skip parts of code

Understanding these concepts is essential for writing logical and efficient Python programs.