For Loop Basics
Understand for loop syntax, count up and down, accumulate totals, and use break/continue.
For Loop Basics is a free Java Academy lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 1 of 3. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Java Academy learning path, one of 3 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
For Concept
For loop repeats code with three parts in one line: init; condition; update.
for (int i = 0; i < 3; i = i + 1) {
System.out.println("Loop " + i);
}Count Up
Count up 1..5.
for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i = i + 1) {
System.out.println(i);
}Count Down
Count down 5..1.
for (int i = 5; i > 0; i = i - 1) {
System.out.println(i);
}Accumulate
Sum 1..n
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int sum = 0; // start with 0
// Loop from 1 to 5 (inclusive)
for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i = i + 1) {
// Add current i to sum
sum = sum + i;
}
// Print the result
System.out.println("Sum = " + sum);
}
}
Break/Continue
break exits the loop. continue skips to the next iteration.
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
// Loop from 1 to 5
for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i = i + 1) {
if (i == 3) continue; // skip printing when i == 3
if (i == 5) break; // stop the loop completely when i == 5
System.out.println(i); // print i if not skipped or stopped
}
}
}
For Demo
Run it: See for loops for totals, factorial, and a small text triangle.
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
// Sum of even numbers 1..10
int sumEven = 0;
for (int i = 1; i <= 10; i = i + 1) {
if (i % 2 == 0) sumEven = sumEven + i;
}
System.out.println("Sum of even 1..10 = " + sumEven);
// Factorial of 5
int fact = 1;
for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i = i + 1) {
fact = fact * i;
}
System.out.println("5! = " + fact);
// Simple pattern (triangle)
for (int row = 1; row <= 3; row = row + 1) {
String line = "";
for (int col = 1; col <= row; col = col + 1) {
line = line + "*";
}
System.out.println(line);
}
}
}
5..1 Loop
Quick check: Which for loop prints 5 4 3 2 1 and then stops?
Recap & Next
Recap: You learned for loop syntax, counting up/down, accumulation, and break/continue.
Next: Practice patterns with nested for loops.
Frequently asked questions
Is the “For Loop Basics” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “For Loop Basics” is free to read here on the web, and the Java Academy course includes 3 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Java Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “For Loop Basics”?
Understand for loop syntax, count up and down, accumulate totals, and use break/continue. You practise Java Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start Java Academy?
No prior experience is required. Java Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 1 of 3, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “For Loop Basics” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this Java Academy lesson?
Yes. Every Java Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- For Loop Basics
- Nested For & Text Patterns
- Pattern Practice & Mini-Challenges