Java > Jump Statements

Introduction

Jump statements in Java are used to transfer control to another part of the program. They help in altering the normal flow of execution in loops and switch cases.

Types of Jump Statements in Java

  1. break Statement
  2. continue Statement
  3. return Statement

1. break Statement

The break statement is used to exit a loop or a switch statement immediately when encountered.

Syntax

break;

Example: Exiting a Loop When a Condition is Met

for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
    if (i == 3) {
        break;
    }
    System.out.println(i);
}

Output:

1
2

Example: Using break in a Switch Case

int day = 3;
switch (day) {
    case 1:
        System.out.println("Monday");
        break;
    case 2:
        System.out.println("Tuesday");
        break;
    case 3:
        System.out.println("Wednesday");
        break;
    case 4:
        System.out.println("Thursday");
        break;
    case 5:
        System.out.println("Friday");
        break;
    case 6:
        System.out.println("Saturday");
        break;
    case 7:
        System.out.println("Sunday");
        break;
    default:
        System.out.println("Invalid day");
}

Output:

Wednesday

2. continue Statement

The continue statement is used to skip the current iteration of a loop and move to the next iteration.

Syntax

continue;

Example: Skipping an Iteration in a Loop

for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
    if (i == 3) {
        continue;
    }
    System.out.println(i);
}

Output:

1
2
4
5

3. return Statement

The return statement is used to exit from a method and optionally return a value.

Syntax

return; // Exits from method without returning a value
return value; // Returns a specific value

Example: Returning a Value from a Method

public class Example {
    public static int add(int a, int b) {
        return a + b;
    }
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int sum = add(5, 3);
        System.out.println("Sum: " + sum);
    }
}

Output:

Sum: 8

Conclusion

Jump statements in Java allow us to control program flow effectively. Understanding break, continue, and return helps in writing efficient and readable code.

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