What are some best practices to avoid infinite loops in programming?

What are some best practices to avoid infinite loops in programming?

To avoid infinite loops, always ensure that your loop has a clear exit condition. Use counters or flags to track iterations.

Can you give an example of a loop with a clear exit condition?

Sure! Here's a simple example in Python:

count = 0
while count < 5:
    print(count)
    count += 1

This loop will exit after printing numbers 0 to 4.

What should I do if I encounter an infinite loop in my code?

If you encounter an infinite loop, you can usually stop the program using Ctrl+C in the terminal. Then, review your loop conditions and logic.

Are there any tools to help detect infinite loops?

Yes, many IDEs have debugging tools that can help you step through your code and identify infinite loops. Additionally, static analysis tools can analyze your code for potential issues.