---
title: 5.1 while Loop
description: "A `while` loop repeatedly executes a block of statements as long as its controlling condition evaluates to `true`. The condition is evaluated before each iteration, so the loop body may execute zero or more times depending on the initial condition.…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/loops/5-1-while-loop/"
updated: "2026-09-06"
category: C++ Programming / Loops
---

# 5.1 while Loop

A `while` loop repeatedly executes a block of statements as long as its controlling condition evaluates to `true`. The condition is evaluated before each iteration, so the loop body may execute zero or more times depending on the initial condition.

The `while` loop is useful when the number of iterations is not known in advance and execution should continue while a specific condition remains satisfied.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    int count = 1;

    while (count <= 5)
    {
        std::cout << "Count: " << count << '\n';
        ++count;
    }

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Count: 1
Count: 2
Count: 3
Count: 4
Count: 5
```

## Explanation

- `while` begins a `while` loop.
- The condition `count <= 5` is evaluated before each iteration.
- If the condition evaluates to `true`, the statements inside the loop body are executed.
- `std::cout` displays the current value of `count`.
- `++count` increments `count` by one after each iteration.
- When `count` becomes `6`, the condition `count <= 5` evaluates to `false`.
- The loop terminates and execution continues with the statement following the loop.
- If the condition is initially `false`, the loop body is not executed.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.