Difference between for loop and while loop in Python

At a glance, the difference is simple:

• For loop: runs a fixed number of times, usually when you already know how many times you want the code to repeat.
• While loop: runs until a condition becomes false, which is useful when you don’t know in advance how many times it should run.

For loop in Python

Python For Loops are used for iterating over a sequence like lists, tuples, strings and ranges.

• For loop allows you to apply the same operation to every item within loop.
• Using For Loop avoid the need of manually managing the index.
• For loop can iterate over any iterable object, such as dictionary, list or any custom iterators.

For Loop Example:

s = ["Geeks", "for", "Geeks"]

# using for loop with string
for i in s:
    print(i)

Geeks
for
Geeks

Python for Loop Flowchart

While Loop in Python

Python While Loop is used to execute a block of statements repeatedly until a given condition is satisfied. When the condition becomes false, the line immediately after the loop in the program is executed.

While Loop Example:

# Python example for while loop
count = 0
while (count < 3):
    count = count + 1
    print("Hello Geek")

Hello Geek
Hello Geek
Hello Geek

Python while Loop Flowchart

Comparison Table

Now, we will compare both loops in Python to understand where to use 'for loop' and where to use 'while loop'.