JavaScript · Chapter 34 of 55

JavaScript Break & Continue

The `break` statement immediately exits a loop (or switch), while `continue` skips the rest of the current iteration and moves to the next one.

Both are useful for controlling loop flow precisely, such as stopping a search early once a match is found, or skipping invalid items.

break

`break` stops the loop entirely, jumping to the code right after the loop. It's often used once a condition (like a found item) is met.

`continue` skips just the current iteration, jumping straight to the next one without exiting the loop.

Example 1 (javascript)

for (let i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
  if (i === 3) break;
  console.log(i);
}

Output

0
1
2

The loop exits entirely when i equals 3.

Example 2 (javascript)

for (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
  if (i % 2 === 0) continue;
  console.log(i);
}

Output

1
3

continue skips even numbers, only odd ones get logged.

💡 Note: Overusing break/continue can hurt readability — sometimes restructuring the condition is clearer.