๐Ÿ” C++ Control Flow
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๐Ÿ” C++ foreach Loop โ€“ Simplified Iteration with Range-Based for


๐Ÿงฒ Introduction โ€“ What Is a foreach Loop in C++?

In C++, the foreach loop is implemented using the range-based for loop. It allows you to iterate over arrays, STL containers, and ranges without using an index or iterator explicitly. Introduced in C++11, it’s widely used for readable and concise loops.

๐ŸŽฏ In this guide, youโ€™ll learn:

  • Syntax of the range-based foreach loop
  • Examples using arrays and vectors
  • Use with references and auto
  • Best practices and common mistakes

โœ… Syntax of Range-Based for Loop

for (datatype variable : container) {
    // code using variable
}

Using auto:

for (auto item : container) {
    // code using item
}

โœ๏ธ Example โ€“ Iterate Over Array

int nums[] = {10, 20, 30, 40};

for (int x : nums) {
    cout << x << " ";
}

Output:
10 20 30 40


๐Ÿ” Example โ€“ Iterate Over Vector

#include <vector>
using namespace std;

vector<string> fruits = {"Apple", "Banana", "Cherry"};

for (const string& fruit : fruits) {
    cout << fruit << endl;
}

๐Ÿ” Modifying Elements with Reference

To modify values in-place, use a non-const reference:

for (int& x : nums) {
    x *= 2;
}

๐Ÿ” Using auto for Flexibility

for (auto& name : fruits) {
    name += " Pie";
}

โœ… Useful when working with complex types or template code


โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes

โŒ Mistakeโœ… Fix
Using value instead of referenceUse & if you need to modify the original values
Iterating over nullptrEnsure the container is valid before using range-based loop
Using with unsupported typesOnly works with arrays and iterable containers

๐Ÿง  Best Practices

  • Use const auto& to avoid unnecessary copies
  • Use auto& to modify elements directly
  • Use auto for complex STL container types

๐Ÿ“Œ Summary โ€“ Recap & Next Steps

๐Ÿ” Key Takeaways:

  • C++ foreach is implemented via range-based for loop
  • It simplifies iteration over containers and arrays
  • Use auto for type inference and cleaner code
  • Prefer references when modifying or avoiding copies

โš™๏ธ Real-World Relevance:
Range-based loops are ideal for data processing, searching, and collection traversal in modern C++ development.


โ“ FAQs โ€“ C++ foreach Loop

โ“ Is there a real foreach keyword in C++?
โŒ No. The range-based for loop is used instead.

โ“ Can I use foreach with maps or sets?
โœ… Yes. Works with any container that supports iteration.

โ“ How do I prevent copying in foreach?
โœ… Use const auto&:

for (const auto& val : container)

โ“ Can I modify the container elements in a foreach loop?
โœ… Yes. Use a non-const reference:

for (auto& val : container)

โ“ Is range-based for faster than traditional for?
โœ… It can be, and it’s safer and cleaner for container traversal.


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