---
title: 5.6 continue in Loops
description: "The `continue` statement skips the remaining statements in the current iteration of the nearest enclosing loop and begins the next iteration. Unlike `break`, it does not terminate the loop. The behavior after `continue` depends on the type of loop. In…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/loops/5-6-continue-in-loops/"
updated: "2026-09-06"
category: C++ Programming / Loops
---

# 5.6 continue in Loops

The `continue` statement skips the remaining statements in the current iteration of the nearest enclosing loop and begins the next iteration. Unlike `break`, it does not terminate the loop.

The behavior after `continue` depends on the type of loop. In a `for` loop, the iteration expression is executed before the next condition check.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    for (int number = 1; number <= 5; ++number)
    {
        if (number == 3)
        {
            continue;
        }

        std::cout << "Number: " << number << '\n';
    }

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Number: 1
Number: 2
Number: 4
Number: 5
```

## Explanation

- The `for` loop iterates through the values from `1` to `5`.
- The `if` statement checks whether `number` is equal to `3`.
- When `number` is `3`, the `continue` statement is executed.
- `continue` skips the remaining statements in the current iteration, so `3` is not printed.
- For a `for` loop, execution proceeds to the iteration expression `++number` after `continue`.
- The loop then evaluates its condition and continues with the next iteration.
- Unlike `break`, `continue` does not terminate the loop.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.