Is continue allowed directly inside a switch statement without an enclosing loop? #include<stdio.h> int main() { int i=3; switch(i) { case 1: printf("Hello "); case 2: printf("Hi "); case 3: continue; default: printf("Bye "); } return 0; }

Introduction / Context:This question checks knowledge of valid control statements inside a switch. While break and goto are common within a switch, continue is only meaningful within loops (for, while, do-while).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• continue appears directly in a switch within main, not inside any loop.
• Compiler follows standard C rules for control flow statements.

Concept / Approach:continue transfers control to the next loop iteration. Without an enclosing loop, the statement has no valid target and is ill-formed. Most compilers emit an error such as “continue statement not within a loop” or “misplaced continue”.

Step-by-Step Solution:Parse the switch: cases 1, 2, and 3 exist; default also exists.Encounter continue; in case 3 without an enclosing loop.Compilation fails with an error about continue’s placement.

Verification / Alternative check:Wrap the switch inside a loop to make continue valid: e.g., while(1){ switch(i){ ... case 3: continue; }} Now continue would jump to the next loop iteration.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:No runtime output occurs because compilation fails. Therefore options suggesting printed lines or a hang are incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing break (valid in switch) with continue (loop-only); thinking continue behaves like break in a switch.

Final Answer:Error: Misplaced continue