Jump expressions in Kotlin

In this tutorial, we will learn about Jump expressions in Kotlin. The main use of all these three jump expressions is to move the cursor on the different statement in code. There are a total of three jump expressions available in Kotlin.

• break
• continue
• return

Break expression:

The break expression is used to terminates the nearest enclosing loop. Here is an example o break expression. Break expression in Kotlin can be used with or without a label.

Example Program(without a Label):

fun main(args: Array<String>) {  
    for (num in 1..10) {  
        if (num == 5) {  
            break  
        }  
        println(num)  
    }  
}

Example Program(with a label):

fun main(args: Array<String>) {  
    loop@ for (i in 1..5) {
    for (j in 1..5) {
        if (i==2) break@loop
        println("$i  $j")
    }
 }
}

Continue expression:

Continue expression is mainly used to skip an iteration of the loop. Continue expression can be used with or without a label.

Example Program(without a label):

fun main(args: Array<String>) {  
    for (num in 1..5) {  
        if (num == 3) {  
            continue  
        }  
        println(num)  
    }  
}

Example Program(with a label):

fun main(args: Array<String>) {  
    loop@ for (i in 1..3) {
    for (j in 1..3) {
        if (i==2) continue@loop
        println("$i  $j")
    }
 }
}

Return expression:

The return statement is used to return some value from a function. We normally write it as the last statement in the function. Here is an example program of return expression check it out.

Example Program:

//defining function
fun addition(num1: Int, num2: Int): Int{
  return num1+num2
}
fun main (args: Array<String>){
    var ans=addition(10,20) //calling the function
    println("Ans = "+ans)
}

Parvesh Sandila

Parvesh Sandila is a results-driven tech professional with 8+ years of experience in web and mobile development, leadership, and emerging technologies.

After completing his Master’s in Computer Applications (MCA), he began his journey as a programming mentor, guiding 100+ students and helping them build strong foundations in coding. In 2019, he founded Owlbuddy.com, a platform dedicated to providing free, high-quality programming tutorials for aspiring developers.

He then transitioned into a full-time programmer, where his hands-on expertise and problem-solving skills led him to grow into a Team Lead and Technical Project Manager, successfully delivering scalable web and mobile solutions. Today, he works with advanced technologies such as AI systems, RAG architectures, and modern digital solutions, while also collaborating through a strategic partnership with Technobae (UK) to build next-generation products.