In Python, both while and for loops are used for iteration, but they work in different ways.

Here's how they differ:

1. Condition vs. Sequence

 while loop: The while loop is used when you want to repeat a block of code as long
as a specific condition is True. The loop continues to run as long as the condition is
satisfied.

python
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i = 0
while i < 5: # Condition
print(i)
i += 1

 for loop: The for loop is typically used when you want to iterate over a sequence
(like a list, string, or range of numbers). It automatically iterates through each element
in the sequence and executes the code block for each item.

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for i in range(5): # Iterates over a range of numbers from 0 to 4
print(i)

2. Use Case

 while loop: Use a while loop when you do not know in advance how many times the
loop should run, and it is driven by a condition.
o Example: Asking the user for input until they enter a valid response.
o Example use case: Reading a file until the end or until a specific condition is
met.
 for loop: Use a for loop when you know the number of iterations in advance or you
have a collection to iterate over.
o Example: Iterating over a list or range of numbers.
o Example use case: Processing items in a list or executing code a fixed number
of times.

3. Control Structure

 while loop: You have to explicitly control the increment/decrement or progress

within the loop, usually inside the loop itself (e.g., i += 1).
 for loop: The iteration is automatically handled by the loop, especially when working
with predefined sequences like lists or ranges. You don't need to manually update the
loop variable unless you need to customize it.

4. Termination

 while loop: The loop will continue until the condition becomes False. If the
condition is never False, it can result in an infinite loop.
 python
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while True: # This will run indefinitely unless there's a break
condition
# Do something

 for loop: The loop automatically terminates once it has iterated through the entire
sequence. No manual condition check is necessary to exit the loop.

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for item in sequence:
# Loop terminates when all items in sequence are processed

5. Example of Similar Task

Let's consider printing numbers from 1 to 5:

 Using while loop:

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i = 1
while i <= 5:
print(i)
i += 1

 Using for loop:

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for i in range(1, 6): # range(1, 6) generates numbers from 1 to 5
print(i)

Summary of Differences:

Feature Loop
while for Loop
Condition Continues until condition is False Iterates through a sequence of items
When number of iterations is not
Use Case When iterating over a sequence
known
Manual Control Needs manual update of loop variable Automatically handles iteration
Stops when condition is no longer Stops after going through the
Termination True sequence

In summary, the choice between while and for depends on whether you are iterating over a
sequence or based on a condition. for is generally more convenient when working with a
known sequence, while while is more flexible for cases where the number of iterations is
uncertain.

1. Converting a for loop to a while loop

for loop:

python
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# For loop: Print numbers from 1 to 5
for i in range(1, 6):
print(i)

Converted to while loop:

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# While loop: Print numbers from 1 to 5
i = 1
while i <= 5:
print(i)
i += 1 # Manually increment i

Explanation:

 In the for loop, i iterates automatically through the range from 1 to 5.

 In the while loop, we manually initialize i and control the condition (i <= 5),
incrementing i inside the loop.

2. Converting a while loop to a for loop

while loop:

python
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# While loop: Print numbers from 1 to 5
i = 1
while i <= 5:
print(i)
i += 1 # Manually increment i

Converted to for loop:

python
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# For loop: Print numbers from 1 to 5
for i in range(1, 6):
print(i)

Explanation:

 In the while loop, we check the condition i <= 5 and manually increment i each
time.
 In the for loop, the range(1, 6) generates numbers from 1 to 5, and i automatically
takes each of those values, making the loop more concise.
Key Differences:

 for loop: Best used when you know the number of iterations or are iterating over a
sequence (like a list, tuple, or range).
 while loop: More flexible, ideal for situations where you don’t know in advance how
many iterations you need, and you are relying on a condition to stop the loop.

These examples show how you can convert between the two loop types by managing the loop
variable and its condition.