C++ Arrays and range based for loop

Question

I am not used to this code format.

I need explanation for what is going on here. Also, explain what this format of range based for loop is more often used for ?

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main (){

int array[ 3 ] = {5, 2 , 3};

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

return 0;
}

Link to run the program: cpp.sh/9fho

Answer 1

this loop is called a for-each loop, which is used to iterate over each element of an array.
here, the integer x in the loop takes every value of the array in each loop run.
In first run, x = 5
in second, x = 2
and in third, x = 3

the loop ends when all elements of the array are used.

Answer 2

it is used when dealing with arrays.
using for loop :-
for(int i = 0; i < length; i++)
{
cout << array[i];
}

using for-each loop:-
for(int i : array)
{
cout << i;
}

note that the variable i needs to be the same type as the elements of the array.

advantage of using for-each is that you can use the loop without knowing the length of the array.

Answer 3

@Nikunj, thanks a lot my friend. Your explanation is just pure easy and clean to understand.

Answer 4

Ok, can you give an example where for each loop can be used instead of regular for loop ? I have problem understanding where to use it.