Next and break statements in R Programming

Introduction

Next and break help control loops. Next skips to the next loop round. Break stops the loop completely.

Skip a number in a counting loop, like ignoring even numbers.

Stop searching when you find what you want in a list.

Skip bad or unwanted data while processing.

Exit a loop early to save time when result is found.

Syntax

R Programming

for (i in 1:10) {
  if (condition) next
  if (condition) break
  # other code
}

next skips the rest of the current loop and goes to the next iteration.

break exits the loop immediately.

Examples

This skips printing 3 and prints 1, 2, 4, 5.

R Programming

for (i in 1:5) {
  if (i == 3) next
  print(i)
}

This stops the loop when i is 3, so prints 1, 2 only.

R Programming

for (i in 1:5) {
  if (i == 3) break
  print(i)
}

Sample Program

This loop prints odd numbers only and stops when number is greater than 4.

R Programming

for (i in 1:6) {
  if (i %% 2 == 0) next  # skip even numbers
  if (i > 4) break       # stop if number is greater than 4
  print(i)
}

Important Notes

Use next to skip unwanted cases but keep looping.

Use break to stop the loop early when done.

Both help make loops more efficient and clear.

Summary

next skips to the next loop round.

break stops the loop completely.

Use them to control loop flow simply and clearly.