Python Break Statement

The break statement is used to exit a loop immediately.

When Python encounters a break statement, it stops the loop and continues with the next statement after the loop.

The break statement can be used in both for and while loops.

Syntax

break

Break in a For Loop

Example:

for i in range(1, 6):
    if i == 4:
        break

    print(i)

Output:

1
2
3

The loop stops when i becomes 4.

Break in a While Loop

Example:

i = 1

while i <= 5:
    if i == 4:
        break

    print(i)
    i += 1

Output:

1
2
3

Break with Lists

Example:

fruits = ["Apple", "Banana", "Mango", "Orange"]

for fruit in fruits:
    if fruit == "Mango":
        break

    print(fruit)

Output:

Apple
Banana

Break After Printing

Example:

for i in range(1, 6):
    print(i)

    if i == 4:
        break

Output:

1
2
3
4

Using Break in User Input

Example:

while True:
    name = input("Enter your name: ")

    if name == "exit":
        break

    print("Hello", name)

Output:

Enter your name: John
Hello John

Enter your name: exit

The loop stops when the user enters exit.

Break in Nested Loops

Example:

for i in range(1, 4):
    for j in range(1, 4):
        if j == 2:
            break

        print(i, j)

Output:

1 1
2 1
3 1

The break statement only exits the inner loop.

Difference Between Break and Continue

break stops the entire loop.

Example:

for i in range(5):
    if i == 3:
        break

    print(i)

Output:

0
1
2

continue skips the current iteration.

Example:

for i in range(5):
    if i == 3:
        continue

    print(i)

Output:

0
1
2
4

Practical Example

Search for a number in a list.

Example:

numbers = [10, 20, 30, 40, 50]

for number in numbers:
    if number == 30:
        print("Number Found")
        break

Output:

Number Found

Summary

• The break statement exits a loop immediately.
• It can be used in both for and while loops.
• Code after break inside the loop is not executed.
• In nested loops, break only exits the current loop.
• Use break when you want to stop a loop based on a condition.