Loop sequences

[Thomas Misik]

I thought I was confident in figuring out loops, however, if anyone could give me some clarification as to their pattern, it would be greatly appreciated. Take this sample (MindQ):
30. Consider the code fragment below:

outer: for( int i = 1; i <3; i++ )
{ inner: for( j = 1; j < 3; j++ )
{ if( j==2 )
continue outer;
System.out.println( "i = " +i ", j = " + j );
}
}

Which of the following would be printed to standard output?
a) i = 1, j = 1
b) i = 1, j = 2
c) i = 1, j = 3
d) i = 2, j = 1
e) i = 2, j = 2
f) i = 2, j = 3
g) i = 3, j = 1
h) i = 3, j = 2
I think the answer is a, b,..but I always get confused at this point - does i (after continue outer) start back at 1, or does it carry on from where it left off, being 2?

[lakshmi nair]

The answer is a,d.
The outer loop will continue iteration(i = 2) on continue statement.

[P SOLAIAPPAN]

Hi Thomas,
The answer given by laksmi is correct. You could have easily verified the answer in a PC.
the statement
if( j==2 )
continue outer;
System.out.println( "i = " +i ", j = " + j );
will never allow the value of j to be printed as 2, Hence j will be always "1" in inner loop. When j reaches "2" the outer loop continues in which i can be 1, 2 only.
hence ans is
i=1 j=1
i=2 j=1
solaiappan

[This message has been edited by P SOLAIAPPAN (edited October 29, 2000).]