Break and Continue Example in Java

Introduction

Break And Continue is a classic Java console program that demonstrates the concept with complete source code and sample output. break, continue and return alter the normal flow inside loops and methods.

This tutorial walks through the program line by line, explains how the logic works, and highlights best practices you can apply in your own code.

Definition

The statements break and continue alter the normal control flow of compound statements. The break statement immediately jumps to the end (and out) of the appropriate compound statement. The continue statement immediately jumps to the next iteration (if any) of the appropriate loop.

Syntax

break;
continue;

Break And Continue Example Program

public class BreakAndContinue{
    public static void main(String args[]) {
        int[] numbers= new int[]{101,102,103,104,105,106,107,108,109,110};
		int add = 0;
        for(int i=0; i< numbers.length; i++){
            System.out.println("iteration: " + i);
            if(i == 5){
                System.out.println("calling break statement");
				break;
			}
            if(i%2 != 0){
                add = add + numbers[i];
                System.out.println("calling continue statement");
				continue;
            }
            System.out.println("Last line of loop executed only for even number of iterations: " + numbers[i]);
        }
        System.out.println("This is outside the loop, sum: " + add);
    }
}

Sample Output

iteration: 0
Last line of loop executed only for even number of iterations: 101
iteration: 1
calling continue statement
iteration: 2
Last line of loop executed only for even number of iterations: 103
iteration: 3
calling continue statement
iteration: 4
Last line of loop executed only for even number of iterations: 105
iteration: 5
calling break statement
This is outside the loop, sum: 206

When to use

Use this break and continue example when learning or revising core Java syntax.

How it works

1. Execution begins in the main method — the JVM calls this method when you run the class.

2. int[] numbers= new int[]{101,102,103,104,105,106,107,108,109,110}; updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

3. int add = 0; updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

4. A loop repeats the block until its condition becomes false.

5. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

6. The if statement runs the nested code only when the condition is true.

7. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

8. The if statement runs the nested code only when the condition is true.

Best Practices

• Use meaningful variable and class names that describe their purpose.
• Compile and run the program locally — modify values to see how output changes.
• Read compiler errors carefully; they usually point to the exact line to fix.

Common Mistakes

• Copying code without understanding each line — practice by changing one statement at a time.
• Mismatching the public class name and the .java filename.
• Forgetting semicolons at the end of statements.