Loops

Loops are used for repeating execution of a common set of code, iterating through an array etc. Loops are of multiple types viz For loop and While loop.

How to use Loop Nodes?

• The loop will span from its start node to its loop end node.
• Examples of loop start nodes: for start and while start nodes.
• The loop end node can be used to mark the end of loops started by for start as well as while start node.
• Each loop start node should have its loop end node.
• A loop always runs sequentially.
• Loop can have branches (which can run parallel to and independent of it).
• Merges aren't allowed in the loop.
• Merges are only allowed in a loop when used for sequentialising if node's output flows at single point.

note

While using an if node in a loop node, the if node's all output flows, from each branch, should be sequentialised by ending the flows at 1 single point within the loop. They should be sequentialised at or before the loop end node of the loop. Check example here.

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For Loop

To create a for loop:

1. Take a for start node.
2. Open its properties
3. Set the initial value of i. Eg. 0
4. Set the condition to run the loop till. Eg. i < 10 will run the loop 10 times when i = 0 uptill i = 9.
5. Set an incrementor/decrementor eg. i + 1 which will increment i at the end of each loop iteration. (NOTE: We are yet to support i++/i--)
6. Add the next flow after the for start node which should run inside the loop.
7. Take a loop end node and place it at the end of the loop.
8. Make sure there is a connected chain of nodes (1 path) from the for start node and loop end node.
9. You can make use of i anywhere inside the for loop and its branches.

note

Optionally, i can be renamed in the outputs section.

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While Loop

Just like you created a for loop, you can use a while loop.

The while loop node only requires a condition for which its loop will keep running eg. count < 0.

In case of a while loop, the iteration variable needs to be initialised and incremented/decremented manually in separate nodes as shown in the diagram.

Infinite Loop

Create an infinitely running loop by using a while start node and keeping its condition as 1.

Loop Nodes

Along with the loop start and end nodes, Smow has other nodes to help you.

1. Break Node

Use a break node to stop a running loop's (immediate loop) execution from any part of the loop. Once loop is stopped, the next code after its loop end node, will begin to run, if any.

2. Continue Node

Use a continue node to skip a running loop's 1 iteration from anywhere in the loop.

Nested loops

Above is an example of a nested loop inside another loop. Nested loops help iterating a new dimension inside the parent loop.

If node inside a loop

When inside a loop, the if node's all output flows, from each branch, should be sequentialised by ending the flows at 1 single point within the loop as shown above.

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