break and continue in Java

break and continue change the normal flow of a loop. Use them for a clear, local reason; do not use them to hide complicated loop logic.

break: leave immediately

break exits the nearest loop or switch statement immediately.

Run this example to see its output.

After Java finds 91, break exits the loop. The final value, 74, is never examined.

continue: skip only this iteration

continue skips the remaining statements in the current iteration and starts the next one.

Run this example to see its output.

The loop still visits every number. It simply skips the print statement for even numbers.

break in switch

Traditional switch statements use break to stop Java from falling through into the next case.

Modern arrow-style switch cases do not need break, because each arrow case does not fall through.

Labeled break: rare but valid

A label lets break leave an outer loop. It is useful occasionally when a nested search is complete.

Run this example to see its output.

Use labels sparingly. If a labeled break makes a method hard to follow, move the search into a separate method and return the result instead.

What to remember

• break exits the nearest loop or switch immediately.
• continue skips to the next loop iteration.
• In a traditional switch, break prevents accidental fall-through.
• A labeled break can leave an outer loop, but a small method is often clearer.