JavaScript break and continue: Control Your Loops

Two keywords give you finer control over a loop.

break: stop the loop

script.js

const numbers = [4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42];

for (const n of numbers) {
  if (n > 15) {
    console.log("First number above 15:", n);
    break;
  }
}

When break runs, the loop ends immediately and the code after it continues. It is perfect for “stop when you find what you were looking for”.

continue: skip this round

continue jumps straight to the next round, skipping the rest of the body.

script.js

for (let i = 1; i <= 6; i++) {
  if (i % 2 === 0) {
    continue; // skip even numbers
  }
  console.log(i); // 1, 3, 5
}

In while loops too

script.js

let i = 0;
while (i < 10) {
  i++;
  if (i === 3) continue;
  if (i === 6) break;
  console.log(i); // 1, 2, 4, 5
}

In a while loop, make sure the update (i++) happens before continue, or you create an infinite loop.

Nested loops and labels

break only leaves the innermost loop. A label lets you leave an outer one. It is rarely needed, but you may see it.

script.js

outer: for (let row = 0; row < 3; row++) {
  for (let col = 0; col < 3; col++) {
    if (row === 1 && col === 1) {
      console.log("Found at", row, col);
      break outer;
    }
  }
}

Better alternatives

For arrays, methods often express the intent more clearly than break:

script.js

const numbers = [4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42];

console.log(numbers.find(n => n > 15));        // → 16
console.log(numbers.some(n => n > 40));        // → true

find and some stop at the first match, just like break. See find and findIndex.

info

Not for forEach

break and continue do not work inside forEach() callbacks. Use a for...of loop, some() or find() instead.