How to Use the Python Continue Statement

Python

Introduction

The continue statement in Python allows you to skip the rest of the code in the current iteration of a loop and move directly to the next iteration. It is particularly useful when you want to ignore certain cases or conditions during iteration without completely exiting the loop. This improves efficiency and keeps your code focused on relevant tasks.

This guide explains how to use the Python continue statement.

Prerequisites

To follow along with this guide:

  • Deploy a VPS server. For instance, Ubuntu 24.04.
  • Create a non-root sudo user.
  • Install Python.

The Python continue Statement Syntax

The continue statement skips the remaining code in the current iteration and proceeds to the next iteration of the loop.

Here's the basic syntax:

Python
for item in sequence:
    if condition:
        continue
    # code block for other logic

Example:

Python
for number in range(1, 6):
    if number == 3:
        continue
    print(number)

Output:

1
2
4
5

The loop skips printing number 3 but continues processing other numbers.

Use continue in a while Loop

The continue statement also works in while loops, where it skips the rest of the loop's code and returns to the condition check.

Example:

Python
count = 0

while count < 5:
    count += 1
    if count == 3:
        continue
    print(count)

Output:

1
2
4
5

In the above example, when count equals 3, the continue statement skips the print statement and moves to the next iteration.

Use continue in a Nested Loop

When used in nested loops, the continue statement only affects the innermost loop. The outer loop continues as usual.

Example:

Python
for i in range(1, 4):
    for j in range(1, 4):
        if j == 2:
            continue
        print(f"i = {i}, j = {j}")

Output:

i = 1, j = 1
i = 1, j = 3
i = 2, j = 1
i = 2, j = 3
i = 3, j = 1
i = 3, j = 3

In the above code block, the inner loop skips printing when j == 2, but other iterations proceed normally.

Implement Python continue Statement Best Practices

To use the continue statement effectively, follow these best practices:

  • Use meaningful conditions: Clearly define the conditions where continue is necessary.
  • Avoid overuse: Avoid excessive use of continue because this makes your code harder to read and maintain.
  • Combine with logical operators: Simplify conditions by combining them with and, or, and not.
  • Comment complex conditions: Add comments to explain why certain iterations are skipped.
  • Test edge cases: Ensure continue behaves as expected in all scenarios.

Example:

Python
for number in range(10):
    if number % 2 != 0:
        continue
    print(f"{number} is even.")

This loop skips odd numbers and prints only even ones.

Discover Practical Use Cases for the continue Statement

The continue statement can be applied in many real-world scenarios, such as:

  • Filtering Data: Skip unwanted data during iteration.
  • Input Validation: Ignore invalid inputs while processing valid ones.
  • Data Cleaning: Skip over missing or null values in datasets.
  • Gaming Logic: Ignore invalid moves or inputs from players.
  • Real-time Monitoring: Skip non-critical events during log analysis.

Example for filtering data:

Python
data = [1, 2, None, 4, None, 6]

for value in data:
    if value is None:
        continue
    print(value)

Output:

1
2
4
6

This example skips None values and processes only valid data.

Conclusion

The Python continue statement is a valuable tool for controlling the flow of loops by skipping specific iterations. In this guide, you learned the syntax, practical examples, and best practices for using continue. By incorporating it into your code effectively, you can handle complex scenarios efficiently and maintain clean, focused logic in your Python programs.