For Loop in Java

Beginner ⏱ 7 min read Updated: Jun 2026

The for loop in Java is a control flow statement that is used to execute a block of code repeatedly for a specific number of times. It is commonly used when the number of iterations is already known.

The Java for loop provides a simple way to repeat tasks by using initialization, condition, and increment or decrement expressions in a single statement.

What is For Loop in Java?

A for loop in Java is an iteration statement that allows programmers to execute the same block of code multiple times until a given condition becomes false.

It is mainly used for looping through arrays, collections, and performing repetitive operations.

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Key Point: A for loop is preferred when you know exactly how many times you want to execute a block of code.

Syntax of For Loop in Java

Syntax

for (initialization; condition; increment/decrement) {
    // code to execute
}

Components of For Loop


                    Initialization

Initializes the loop variable and executes only once at the beginning.


                    Condition

Checks whether the loop should continue or stop.


                    Increment/Decrement

Updates the loop variable after every iteration.

How For Loop Works in Java?

The initialization part executes first.
The condition is checked before every iteration.
If the condition is true, the loop body executes.
The increment or decrement operation updates the variable.
The loop stops when the condition becomes false.

Example of For Loop in Java

Example

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) { 
        for(int i = 1 ; i <= 5 ; i++) {
            System.out.println(i);
        }
    }
}

Output

1
2
3
4
5

Nested For Loop in Java

A nested for loop is a loop inside another loop. The inner loop executes completely for each iteration of the outer loop.

Example

for(int i = 1; i <= 3; i++) {
    for(int j =  1; j <= 3; j++) {
         System.out.println(i +" " + j);

For Loop Example: Print Even Numbers

Example

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) { 
        for(int i =  1 ; i <= 10; i++) {
            if (i % 2  == 0) {
                System.out.println(i);
            }
         }
     }
 }

Output

2
4
6
8
10

Advantages of For Loop in Java


                    Easy Iteration

Helps execute repetitive tasks easily.


                    Less Code

Reduces the amount of repeated code.


                    Better Control

Provides control over loop initialization and execution.

When to Use For Loop?

When the number of iterations is known.
When working with arrays and collections.
When performing repeated calculations.
When creating patterns and tables.

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