Fibonacci Using Loops in Kotlin: A Simple & Efficient Approach

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If you’ve just started learning Kotlin and want to practice loops in a real-world example, generating the Fibonacci series is a perfect choice. It’s simple enough to grasp, yet teaches you how to handle variables, loops, and logic in Kotlin efficiently.

In this guide, we’ll explore Fibonacci Using Loops in Kotlin, break down the code step-by-step, and keep it beginner-friendly — without skipping important details.

What is the Fibonacci Sequence?

The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two before it.

It starts like this:

Kotlin
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34...

Mathematically:

Kotlin
F(n) = F(n-1) + F(n-2)

Where:

  • F(0) = 0
  • F(1) = 1

Why Use Loops Instead of Recursion?

While recursion can generate Fibonacci numbers, it’s less efficient for large sequences because:

  • It repeats calculations unnecessarily.
  • It uses more memory due to function calls.

Using loops in Kotlin:
 Saves memory.
 Runs faster.
 Easier to understand for beginners.

That’s why Fibonacci Using Loops in Kotlin is both simple and efficient.

Kotlin Program for Fibonacci Using Loops

Here’s the complete Kotlin code:

Kotlin
fun main() {
    val terms = 10  // Number of Fibonacci numbers to print
    var first = 0
    var second = 1

    println("Fibonacci Series using loops:")

    for (i in 1..terms) {
        print("$first ")
        // Calculate the next number
        val next = first + second
        first = second
        second = next
    }
}

Step-by-Step Code Explanation

Let’s break it down so you truly understand:

1. Declaring Variables

Kotlin
fun main() {
    val terms = 10  // Number of Fibonacci numbers to print
    var first = 0
    var second = 1

    println("Fibonacci Series using loops:")

    for (i in 1..terms) {
        print("$first ")
        // Calculate the next number
        val next = first + second
        first = second
        second = next
    }
}
  • terms → how many numbers you want to print.
  • first and second → the first two Fibonacci numbers.

2. Using a Loop

Kotlin
for (i in 1..terms) {
    print("$first ")
    val next = first + second
    first = second
    second = next
}
  • Loop runs from 1 to terms → controls how many numbers are printed.
  • print("$first ") → displays the current number.
  • val next = first + second → calculates the next Fibonacci number.

We then shift the values:

  • first becomes the old second.
  • second becomes the new next.

Not clear — let’s dry run it for better understanding.

Iteration 1 (i = 1)

  • Print first → prints 0
  • next = first + second = 0 + 1 = 1
  • Update:
     first = second = 1
     second = next = 1

Output: 0

Iteration 2 (i = 2)

  • Print first → prints 1
  • next = 1 + 1 = 2
  • Update:
     first = 1
     second = 2

Output: 0 1

Iteration 3 (i = 3)

  • Print first → prints 1
  • next = 1 + 2 = 3
  • Update:
     first = 2
     second = 3

Output: 0 1 1

Iteration 4 (i = 4)

  • Print first → prints 2
  • next = 2 + 3 = 5
  • Update:
     first = 3
     second = 5

Output: 0 1 1 2

Iteration 5 (i = 5)

  • Print first → prints 3
  • next = 3 + 5 = 8
  • Update:
     first = 5
     second = 8

Output: 0 1 1 2 3

Iteration 6 (i = 6)

  • Print first → prints 5
  • next = 5 + 8 = 13
  • Update:
     first = 8
     second = 13

Output: 0 1 1 2 3 5

Iteration 7 (i = 7)

  • Print first → prints 8
  • next = 8 + 13 = 21
  • Update:
     first = 13
     second = 21

Output: 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

Iteration 8 (i = 8)

  • Print first → prints 13
  • next = 13 + 21 = 34
  • Update:
     first = 21
     second = 34

Output: 0 1 1 2 3 5 8 13

Iteration 9 (i = 9)

  • Print first → prints 21
  • next = 21 + 34 = 55
  • Update:
     first = 34
     second = 55

Output: 0 1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21

Iteration 10 (i = 10)

  • Print first → prints 34
  • next = 34 + 55 = 89
  • Update:
     first = 55
     second = 89

Output: 0 1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 34

Final Output

If terms = 10, output will be:

Kotlin
Fibonacci Series using loops:
0 1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 34

Tips to Make It Even Better

  • User Input: Instead of hardcoding terms, ask the user how many numbers they want.
Kotlin
print("Enter the number of terms: ")
   
val n = readLine()!!.toInt()
  • Formatting: Add commas or line breaks for readability.
  • Performance: This loop method already runs in O(n) time, making it efficient even for large terms.

Why This Approach Works Well

The Fibonacci Using Loops in Kotlin approach is ideal for:

  • Beginners learning loops.
  • Anyone needing quick and efficient Fibonacci generation.
  • Avoiding recursion stack overflow for large sequences.

It’s clean, easy to debug, and performs well.

Conclusion

The Fibonacci sequence is a timeless example for learning programming logic. By using loops in Kotlin, you get the perfect balance between simplicity and efficiency. Whether you’re practicing for interviews or just improving your coding skills, this method will serve you well.

Next time you think about Fibonacci, remember — you don’t always need recursion. A good old loop can do the job beautifully.

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