The answer
If you are skipping based on position (e.g., every 3rd element), adjusting the counter is much faster. If skipping based on value, you must use an if-statement.
Skipping Elements in an Array Using a Loop
Is it better to use an 'if' statement or adjust the loop counter?
More FAQs in Skipping Elements in an Array Using a Loop
Use the 'continue' keyword. It stops the current iteration immediately and jumps to the next evaluation of the loop.
Use a while loop inside your main loop to check if the current element equals the next element, and increment your pointer until they differ.
Skipping by value (continue) is still O(N). Skipping by large counter increments (i += 2) is technically O(N/2), which simplifies to O(N) in Big O notation.
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