---
description: "Learn more about: do-while Statement (C)"
title: "do-while Statement (C)"
ms.date: "11/04/2016"
f1_keywords: ["do"]
helpviewer_keywords: ["do-while keyword [C]"]
ms.assetid: f2ac20a6-10c7-4a08-b5e3-c3b3639dbeaf
---
# `do-while` Statement (C)

The *`do-while`* statement lets you repeat a statement or compound statement until a specified expression becomes false.

## Syntax

*`iteration-statement`*:
 **`do`**  *`statement`*  **`while (`**  *`expression`*  **`) ;`**

The *`expression`* in a *`do-while`* statement is evaluated after the body of the loop is executed. Therefore, the body of the loop is always executed at least once.

The *`expression`* must have arithmetic or pointer type. Execution proceeds as follows:

1. The statement body is executed.

1. Next, *`expression`* is evaluated. If *`expression`* is false, the *`do-while`* statement terminates and control passes to the next statement in the program. If *`expression`* is true (nonzero), the process is repeated, beginning with step 1.

The *`do-while`* statement can also terminate when a **`break`**, **`goto`**, or **`return`** statement is executed within the statement body.

Here's an example of the *`do-while`* statement:

```C
do
{
    y = f( x );
    x--;
} while ( x > 0 );
```

In this *`do-while`* statement, the two statements `y = f( x );` and `x--;` are executed, regardless of the initial value of `x`. Then `x > 0` is evaluated. If `x` is greater than 0, the statement body is executed again, and `x > 0` is reevaluated. The statement body is executed repeatedly as long as `x` remains greater than 0. Execution of the *`do-while`* statement terminates when `x` becomes 0 or negative. The body of the loop is executed at least once.

## See also

[`do-while` Statement (C++)](../cpp/do-while-statement-cpp.md)