Question

Please explain this loop:

for(p=0;p<a[j];p++)

I am a beginner and I am confused how do such loops work?

Please emphasize on use of a[j] in loop.

Answer 1

If a[j] remains a constant positive number through each iteration of the for loop, the loop will run exactly a[j] times, where a[j] evaluates to some integer (or long, we can’t tell from the code posted). Of course a[j] (or j) could be modified inside the loop. In any case, the loop terminates once p is greater than or equal to a[j] when the loop condition is evaluated. The condition is checked before each iteration of the loop. If a[j] is zero or a negative number, the contents of the for loop are never executed. The loop can also exit prematurely at any time if there is a call to break or return within the loop.