Nested Loops in C?
C supports nested loops in C. Loop nesting is a feature in C that allows loops to be nested within another loop. Let’s look at an example of nested loops in C.
Any number of loops can be defined in another loop, i.e. there is no limit on the definition of the number of loops. Nested levels can be defined n times. You can define any type of loop in another loop; for example, you can define a “while” loop in a “for” loop.
Syntax
for (initialization; condition; update) {
for (initialization; condition; update) {
// Code block to be executed
}
}
Example
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
int rows = 5;
int cols = 5;
// Outer loop for rows
for (int i = 0; i < rows; i++) {
// Inner loop for columns
for (int j = 0; j < cols; j++) {
printf(“* “);
}
printf(“\n”); // Move to the next line after each row
}
return 0;
}
Output
* * * * *
* * * * *
* * * * *
* * * * *
* * * * *
Advantages of Nested Loop
- Iterating Over Multidimensional Data Structures: Nested loops are often used to iterate over multidimensional arrays or matrices. This gives you better access and control of everything in the array.
- Generating Patterns: Nested loops are useful for creating patterns or shapes in the output. By controlling the number of iterations in each cycle, you can create various patterns such as triangles, squares, or other geometric shapes.
- Performing Matrix Operations: When manipulating matrices or variable data, nested loops can perform simple operations such as matrix addition, multiplication, or transformation. Each nesting level can represent a different part of the matrix, making calculations easier to manage.
- Searching and Sorting Algorithms: Many search and sort algorithms contain nested loops. For example, algorithms such as bubble sort, selective selection, and insertion sort use nested loops to compare elements and rearrange them in the desired order.
- Data Processing: Nested loops are useful for data processing operations that require comparison or control of elements in the process. For example, you can use nested loops to perform data validation, filtering, or transformation.
- Algorithmic Complexity: Some algorithms require multiple levels of iteration to solve a problem efficiently. Nested loops provide better control over the complexity of algorithms by providing an easy way to specify and implement algorithms.
- Code Reusability: Nested loops increase code reusability by encapsulating repeated tasks in the loop structure. Instead of writing similar blocks of code multiple times, you can use nested loops to iterate over the same task, thus reducing redundancy in your code.