C++ Break Statement

In C++, the break statement is used to immediately exit from a loop or switch statement, regardless of the loop’s condition or remaining iterations. It effectively “breaks” out of the loop and transfers control to the code that follows the loop.

Using a break, we can leave a loop even if the condition for its end is not fulfilled. It can be used to end an infinite loop or to force it to end before its natural end.

Syntax:

break;

Where we can use break statement?

1. Loops: In for, while, and do-while loops.

2. Switch statements: To exit the switch block after a case is executed.

Example: use break statement in for loop

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
 for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
    if (i == 4) {
        break;  // Exit the loop when i is 4
    }
     cout << i << endl;
    }       
    cout << "Loop terminated."<< endl;
    
    return 0;
}

Explanation:

1. The loop prints numbers 1, 2 and 3.
2. When i becomes 4, the break statement exits the loop, and the program continues with the statement after the loop.

Output:

Example: use break statement in switch statement

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
 int day = 2;

    switch(day) {
        case 1:
            cout << "Sunday" << endl;
            break;
        case 2:
            cout << "Monday" << endl;
            break;
        case 3:
            cout << "Tuesday" << endl;
            break;
        default:
            cout << "Not find day" << endl;
    }
    return 0;
}

Explanation:

1. The switch statement evaluates the value of day.
2. When day is 2, it matches case 2, and the corresponding block of code is executed.
3. The break statement ensures that after executing the matching case, control exits the switch statement and continues with the code after the switch.

Output:

C++ Break Statement – Interview Questions

C++ Break Statement – Objective Questions (MCQs)

for(int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
if(i == 3)
break;
cout << i << " ";
}

Related C++ Break Statement Topics