---
title: "5.7 Range-Based for Loop"
description: "The range-based `for` loop provides a simplified way to iterate over the elements of a range, such as an array or a Standard Library container. It automatically obtains each element in sequence, eliminating the need to explicitly manage an index…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/loops/5-7-range-based-for-loop/"
updated: "2026-09-06"
category: C++ Programming / Loops
---

# 5.7 Range-Based for Loop

The range-based `for` loop provides a simplified way to iterate over the elements of a range, such as an array or a Standard Library container. It automatically obtains each element in sequence, eliminating the need to explicitly manage an index or iterator for basic iteration.

The range-based `for` loop was introduced in C++11 and is commonly used when the program needs to process every element of a collection.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    int numbers[] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};

    for (int number : numbers)
    {
        std::cout << number << '\n';
    }

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
10
20
30
40
50
```

## Explanation

- `numbers` is an array containing five integer elements.
- `for (int number : numbers)` defines a range-based `for` loop.
- `number` is initialized with each element of `numbers` in sequence.
- The loop automatically iterates from the first element to the last element of the array.
- No index variable or explicit boundary condition is required.
- By default, `number` is a separate `int` variable, so each iteration copies the current array element into `number`.
- The loop body executes once for every element in the range.
- Range-based `for` loops can be used with arrays and many C++ Standard Library containers.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.