Python Control Flow Statements Explained: Break, Pass, and Continue

Control flow statements are a core part of Python programming. They help you control how and when a block of code executes. Along with conditions, loops, and python operators, control flow statements make your programs flexible and efficient.

In this guide, you will learn how the break, pass, and continue statements work in Python, with clear examples for beginners

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What Are Control Flow Statements in Python?

Control flow statements decide the execution path of a program. They are commonly used inside loops and conditional statements, often together with python operators like comparison and logical operators.

The three important control flow statements are:

• break

• pass

• continue

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Break Statement in Python

The break statement is used to exit a loop immediately, even if the loop condition is still true.

Example:

for i in range(10):
    if i == 5:
        break
    print(i)

Output:

0
1
2
3
4

Here, the loop stops when i == 5. The comparison uses python operators, and once the condition is met, break terminates the loop.

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Pass Statement in Python

The pass statement is used as a placeholder. It does nothing but allows the program to continue without errors.

Example:

for i in range(10):
    if i % 2 == 0:
        pass
    else:
        print(i)

Output:

1
3
5
7
9

In this example, the modulus (%) python operator checks whether a number is even. When the condition is true, pass does nothing and moves to the next iteration.

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Continue Statement in Python

The continue statement skips the current iteration and moves to the next one.

Example:

for i in range(10):
    if i % 2 == 0:
        continue
    print(i)

Output:

1
3
5
7
9

Here, when the condition using python operators is true, continue skips the print() statement and proceeds with the next loop cycle.

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Break vs Pass vs Continue (Quick Comparison)

• Break – Exits the loop completely

• Pass – Does nothing and continues normally

• Continue – Skips the current iteration

Understanding these differences helps you write clean and efficient Python logic.

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Why Control Flow Statements Are Important

Control flow statements:

• Improve program efficiency

• Reduce unnecessary computations

• Work seamlessly with loops and python operators

• Help write clean and readable code

They are essential for building real-world Python applications.

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Conclusion

The break, pass, and continue statements are powerful tools in Python control flow. When combined with loops, conditions, and python operators, they give you precise control over program execution.

Mastering these statements will help you write more efficient, readable, and maintainable Python code.