# What is a 'while loop'?

A **while loop** consists of a condition and until that condition is true, a set of statements is executed repeatedly. 

A while loop is the only necessary repetition construct. The [for loop](https://www.educative.io/answers/how-do-you-execute-a-simple-for-loop-in-python), can be duplicated using a while loop, and with more control.

## The syntax is as follows:

# Example

Here’s a look at the `while` loop code:

x=4
y=0
while (y <= 10 ): ## the while loop will run till y<=10 condition is being met
  y += x
  x += 1

## the loop will iterate 3 times
print "the value of x is:",x
print "the value of y is:", y

# Explanation
In the code above, the `while` loop runs as long as the *condition*, `y<=10`, is being met. The statements on *line 4* and *line 5* execute if the expression inside the parenthesis evaluates to *true*. 

When the expression evaluates to *false* the program comes out of the loop and prints the final values of `x` and `y`.

Below is an illustration of the code above to help illustrate the logic.

How do you execute a 'while loop' in Python?

A while loop in Python executes a set of statements repeatedly as long as the given condition is true.

How do you execute a 'while loop' in Python?

What is a ‘while loop’?

The syntax is as follows:

Example

Explanation