while loop

When we don’t know the exact iteration count or the loop count, we should use while loop.

In other words, if iteration count depends on the input, we should use while loop

How many times a given number can be divided by 2 till it becomes 1.

If the user gives input as 2

Then loop will execute 1 time. i.e 2/2 = 1

If the user gives input as 8

Then loop will execute 3 times. i.e 8/2 = 4. 4/2 = 2. 2/2 = 1.

Here iteration count is depending on the input. For loop will not suit here because we don’t know the exact iteration count.

Syntax

Example

initialize variable
while(condition)
{
 //statements
 in(de)crement variable
}

Statements inside while loop will repeat til the condition becomes true.

1.It will check the condition

2.if the condition is true

3.Statements will execute.

4.And then increment or decrement the value of variable

5.Again, it will go to step 2

6.else

7.Execution will come out of while loop

Sample program

Get an integer input from user and print how many times it can be divided by 2 till it becomes 1.

Example

Case 1

Input

Output

3 ( 8/2 = 4 -> 4/2=2 -> 2/2=1)

Case 2

Input

Output

4(20/2=10 -> 10/2=5 -> 5/2=2 -> 2/2=1)

Example

#include<stdio.h>

int main()
{
    int num,count = 0;

    scanf("%d",&num);

    while(num > 1)
    {
        count++;        //increment count variable
        num = num >> 1; //equal to num = num / 2.
     }

     printf("%d",count);

     return 0;
}

Pictorial Explanation