Nested loops with same variable¶
ID: cs/nested-loops-with-same-variable
Kind: problem
Security severity:
Severity: warning
Precision: high
Tags:
- maintainability
- correctness
- logic
Query suites:
- csharp-security-and-quality.qls
Click to see the query in the CodeQL repository
Inner loops should not write to the iteration variables of the enclosing loop. If an inner loop changes the iteration variable of the enclosing loop this is normally because the programmer mistyped the iteration variable of the inner loop. If this is the intended behavior, then this is an example of bad practice. Loops should be designed so that each loop controls its own iteration. Nested loops where iteration is shared between loops are more difficult to understand and maintain.
Recommendation¶
If there is a mistake in the code then correct it. If the behavior is intended then consider redesigning the way that iteration of the loops is controlled. This will make the code easier for other programmers to understand and maintain.
Example¶
This example will run forever because the inner loop increments i instead of j.
class NestedLoopsSameVariable
{
static void Main(string[] args)
{
for (int i = 0; i < 2; i++)
{
for (int j = 0; j < 2; i++)
{
Console.WriteLine(i + " " + j);
}
}
}
}
References¶
MSDN: for.