In C#, both the `continue` and `break` statements are used to control the flow of loops. However, they serve different purposes and behave differently when executed. Here’s a detailed explanation suitable for an interview:
### `continue` Statement:
The `continue` statement is used within loops to skip the current iteration and proceed to the next iteration.
#### Key Points:
1. **Usage**:
- Typically used when you want to skip the rest of the code inside the loop for the current iteration based on a condition.
- The loop itself does not terminate; it continues with the next iteration.
2. **Behavior**:
- When the `continue` statement is encountered, the control is immediately passed to the next iteration of the loop.
- In `for` loops, the iteration statement is executed before the next iteration.
- In `while` and `do-while` loops, the condition is re-evaluated.
#### Example:
```csharp
for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++)
{
if (i % 2 == 0)
{
continue; // Skip the rest of the loop body for even numbers
}
Console.WriteLine(i); // This line will only execute for odd numbers
}
```
Output:
```
1
3
5
7
9
```
### `break` Statement:
The `break` statement is used to terminate the loop or switch statement immediately.
#### Key Points:
1. **Usage**:
- Typically used when you need to exit the loop based on a condition.
- Can also be used to exit a `switch` statement after a case has been handled.
2. **Behavior**:
- When the `break` statement is encountered, the control exits the loop or switch statement immediately.
- The code following the loop or switch statement is executed.
#### Example:
```csharp
for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++)
{
if (i == 5)
{
break; // Exit the loop when i equals 5
}
Console.WriteLine(i); // This line will execute for i = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
}
```
Output:
```
0
1
2
3
4
```
### Summary of Differences:
1. **Functionality**:
- `continue`: Skips the current iteration and proceeds with the next iteration.
- `break`: Terminates the loop or switch statement entirely.
2. **Effect on Loop**:
- `continue`: The loop continues running, but the code following the `continue` statement in the current iteration is skipped.
- `break`: The loop stops running, and control is passed to the statement immediately following the loop.
3. **Usage Context**:
- `continue`: Useful when you want to skip specific iterations but continue the loop.
- `break`: Useful when you want to stop the loop entirely based on a condition.
#### Combined Example:
```csharp
for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++)
{
if (i == 5)
{
break; // Exit the loop entirely when i equals 5
}
if (i % 2 == 0)
{
continue; // Skip the rest of the loop body for even numbers
}
Console.WriteLine(i); // This line will only execute for odd numbers less than 5
}
```
Output:
```
1
3
```
By explaining these points clearly, you can effectively demonstrate your understanding of the differences between `continue` and `break` statements in C# during an interview.