Loops in PHP: For, While, and Foreach Simplified

Learn how to use loops in PHP to iterate through values, process arrays, and perform repeated actions easily and efficiently.

📌 What Are Loops in PHP?

Loops allow you to execute a block of code multiple times. They're essential when working with arrays, repetitive tasks, and dynamic content.

In PHP, the three most common loop types are:

• for
• while
• foreach

🔁 The for Loop

The for loop is ideal when you know how many times to iterate.

<?php
for ($i = 1; $i <= 5; $i++) {
  echo "Number: $i <br>";
}
?>

This prints numbers from 1 to 5. It includes:

• Initialization: $i = 1
• Condition: $i <= 5
• Increment: $i++

🔄 The while Loop

Use while when the number of iterations isn’t fixed upfront.

<?php
$count = 1;
while ($count <= 3) {
  echo "Count: $count <br>";
  $count++;
}
?>

The loop runs as long as $count is less than or equal to 3.

➡️ The do...while Loop

Unlike while, the do...while loop executes the block at least once.

<?php
$start = 1;
do {
  echo "Start: $start <br>";
  $start++;
} while ($start <= 2);
?>

It will always run once, even if the condition fails afterward.

📚 The foreach Loop

foreach is perfect for looping through arrays or collections.

<?php
$colors = ["red", "green", "blue"];
foreach ($colors as $color) {
  echo "Color: $color <br>";
}
?>

Want both key and value?

<?php
$person = ["name" => "John", "age" => 30];
foreach ($person as $key => $value) {
  echo "$key: $value <br>";
}
?>

🧩 Nested Loops

You can use loops inside loops. Here's a multiplication table example:

<?php
for ($i = 1; $i <= 3; $i++) {
  for ($j = 1; $j <= 3; $j++) {
    echo "$i x $j = " . ($i * $j) . " <br>";
  }
}
?>

🚦 Using break and continue

break exits the loop immediately, while continue skips to the next iteration.

<?php
for ($i = 1; $i <= 5; $i++) {
  if ($i == 3) continue;
  if ($i == 5) break;
  echo "Loop: $i <br>";
}
?>

🌍 Real-World Examples

• Looping through database query results
• Generating HTML tables or dropdown options
• Validating multiple form fields
• Paginating records

✅ Best Practices

• Use foreach for arrays, for for indexed iterations
• Don’t forget to increment counters
• Avoid infinite loops , always validate your condition
• Keep nesting minimal for readability

Tags: PHP loops, foreach PHP, for loop PHP, while loop PHP, beginner PHP tutorial

📘 Coming next: Learn how to define and use functions in PHP effectively.