Summary  
This chapter introduces using while loops for repeated conditional iteration and employs string comparisons to control program flow.  

General domain of usage  
Game development

## Introduction

Welcome to the chapter on **while loops**! Here you’ll learn how to use them to help the knight collect coins more efficiently, understand new surrounding-checking methods, and compare strings in Python.

## Understanding While Loops

A **while loop** runs as long as its condition is `True`. This is useful when you need repeated actions but don’t know the exact number of iterations in advance.

i = 0
while i < 5:
    print("Incrementing:", i)
    i += 1

## Knight's Surroundings

The knight can inspect nearby cells using:
`object_up()`, `object_down()`, `object_left()`, `object_right()`.
Each returns `"wall"`, `"coin"`, or `"empty"`.

## String Comparisons

Use `==` and `!=` to compare strings and decide actions based on what the knight detects.

## Example

Here’s an example showing how a while loop helps the knight collect all coins in a column.


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In this example, the `collect_column` function uses a while loop to collect all the coins in a column. The knight checks if there is coin above it and continues to pick and move up until there is no more coins. After collecting, the knight moves back down to its original position.

Welcome to the Python Knight Course! This engaging and interactive course is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of Python programming through a fun and educational game. You'll guide a knight through various challenges, using Python to control movements and interact with objects like coin. Starting with the basics, you'll learn how to navigate the map, pick up and place coins, and gradually progress to more complex programming concepts such as functions, loops, and conditional statements. Each chapter offers hands-on practice to reinforce your learning, culminating in exciting challenges that test your skills. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your coding abilities, this course provides a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience. Join us and become a coding knight!

In the "Basic Controls" section, you'll be introduced to the foundational features of Python through the engaging Knight Game. You'll learn how to use Python commands to control your knight's movements and interactions on the grid, mastering essential functions like moving, picking up, and placing coins. Through hands-on practice, you'll apply these skills to solve fun challenges, reinforcing your understanding of Python's basic capabilities.

In the "Functions" section, you'll delve into the powerful Python feature of creating and utilizing functions to streamline your code. You'll learn how to write functions to perform specific tasks, enhancing code reusability and clarity. By practicing decomposition, you'll break down complex problems into simpler functions, mastering the art of organized and efficient coding.

In the "Loops" section, you'll explore the essential Python feature of loops, which allows you to execute repetitive tasks efficiently. You'll learn to implement both for loops and while loops, gaining the ability to automate actions and iterate over sequences. By mastering nested loops, you'll tackle more complex scenarios, enhancing your ability to write concise and powerful code.

In the "If-Else Statements" section, you'll learn how to use Python's conditional logic to make decisions within your code. You'll explore how if-else statements allow your knight to respond dynamically to different scenarios, enabling more intelligent and adaptable behavior. Through practical exercises, you'll apply these concepts to solve challenges, enhancing your ability to write responsive and decision-driven code.

In the "Challenges" section, you'll apply your Python skills to tackle a series of engaging and complex problems. These challenges will test your understanding of loops, functions, and conditional logic as you guide your knight to align columns, build letters, and traverse intricate patterns. By solving these puzzles, you'll refine your coding abilities and gain confidence in applying Python to creative and real-world scenarios.

In the "Lists" section, you'll learn how lists enable you to store multiple items, perform operations, and manage data efficiently. Through practical exercises, you'll apply these concepts to solve challenges, improving your ability to write organized and dynamic code for handling collections of information.

While Loops

Introduction

Understanding While Loops

Knight's Surroundings

String Comparisons

Example