Do-while Memes

The classic Road Runner vs. Wile E. Coyote scenario reimagined as a programming loop disaster! On the left, Road Runner's code uses a proper while (not edge) { run(); } loop that will terminate when reaching the cliff edge. Meanwhile, poor Coyote is using a do { run(); } while (not edge); loop—checking the condition after execution. He's already run off the cliff because his condition check comes too late! The fundamental difference between pre-test and post-test loops perfectly illustrated through cartoon physics. The variable edge isn't even defined until it's too late, and by then gravity.js has already been imported!

The classic Road Runner vs. Wile E. Coyote saga gets a programming twist! The Road Runner (left) uses a while loop that checks the condition before running, so he stops safely at the cliff edge. Meanwhile, our poor Coyote friend uses a do-while loop that checks the condition after execution—meaning he'll always run at least once... right off that cliff. This is basically the difference between looking before you leap and leaping before you look. After 15 years of coding, I still occasionally make this mistake and then stare at my monitor with the same expression as that coyote.

This is basically how a do-while loop works in real life. First message: "I will be there in 5 minutes" (the initial statement that runs once). Second message: "If you don't?" (the condition check). Third message: "Re-read the message" (repeat the loop body). The beauty here is that unlike a while loop that checks conditions first, a do-while executes at least once before checking if it should continue—just like that promise to arrive in 5 minutes that inevitably turns into an infinite loop of excuses. The eternal programmer's time estimation paradox, but in relationship form!