While Loops in JavaScript (OCR A Level Computer Science)

Revision Note

Jamie Wood

Written by: Jamie Wood

Reviewed by: James Woodhouse

While Loops in JavaScript

  • A while loop is a control flow statement that allows a block of code to repeatedly execute as long as a specified condition remains true

  • While loops provide a flexible and powerful way to handle situations where the number of iterations is unknown in advance

Syntax of a while loop

The syntax of a while the loop consists of a condition and a code block:

while (condition) {
  // Code to be executed as long as the condition is true
}

  • The condition is evaluated before each iteration. If the condition evaluates to true, the code block is executed. If the condition evaluates to false, the loop terminates

Example 1: Counting from 1 to 5

While loop javascript counting 1 to 5

While loop in JavaScript counting from 1 to 5

Example 2: Checking if the password is 'secret'

While loop in JavaScript checking if the password is correct

While loop in JavaScript checking if the password is correct

Do While Loops in JavaScript

  • A do while loop is a control flow statement that allows a block of code to repeatedly execute at least once, and then continue execution as long as a specified condition remains true

  • Do while loops provide a variation of the while loop with slightly different behaviour

Syntax of a do while loop

The syntax of a do while the loop consists of a code block and a condition:

do {
  // Code to be executed at least once
} while (condition);

  • Code Block: The code block is executed first before evaluating the condition

  • Condition: The condition is evaluated after executing the code block. If the condition evaluates to true, the loop continues executing. If the condition evaluates to false, the loop terminates

Example: Rolling a die until a desired number is obtained

Do while loop in JavaScript dice roll repeats until the target number is met

Do while loop in JavaScript - a dice roll repeats until the target number is met

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • You can use either a while loop or a do while loop but don't forget that a do while loop will always run once before checking if the condition is true

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Jamie Wood

Author: Jamie Wood

Expertise: Maths

Jamie graduated in 2014 from the University of Bristol with a degree in Electronic and Communications Engineering. He has worked as a teacher for 8 years, in secondary schools and in further education; teaching GCSE and A Level. He is passionate about helping students fulfil their potential through easy-to-use resources and high-quality questions and solutions.

James Woodhouse

Author: James Woodhouse

Expertise: Computer Science

James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.