Control structures are fundamental building blocks in programming that dictate the flow of execution in a program. They allow developers to make decisions, repeat actions, and organize code logically. Let's explore the core concepts:

1. Conditional Statements 🟢

Conditional statements execute code based on whether a condition is true or false. Common examples include:

  • if statements
  • else if ladders
  • switch cases
conditional_statement

💡 Tip: Use if/else for simple decisions and switch for multiple options.

2. Loops 🔁

Loops repeat a block of code until a specific condition is met. Types include:

  • for loops (fixed iterations)
  • while loops (conditional repetitions)
  • do-while loops (execute once before checking)
loop

📌 Pro Tip: Always include a termination condition to avoid infinite loops!

3. Functions 🧩

Functions encapsulate reusable code blocks. Key features:

  • Input parameters
  • Return values
  • Scope of variables
function

🚀 Bonus: Learn how to create custom functions in our Programming Languages Guide.

4. Branching & Jumping 🧭

  • break and continue for loop control
  • goto (less common, but still used in some languages)
  • throw/catch for error handling

For deeper exploration, check our Advanced Control Structures resource.