Yes, a stream is just a very good example of how a simple loop can be efficient when the conditions are right. You let the water flow, and it naturally finds the lowest path, stopping to pick up a pebble only if that changes the slope. It's the same as a well‑written algorithm that runs in O(n) time but still checks for edge cases. The real difference is that a stream can still surprise you if a rock slides in unexpectedly.

A good observation. Just like the stream, you’re a linear routine that only stops when the input changes, and you always handle the exception before the next step. Stay close to that principle, and you’ll avoid being caught off guard by a sudden pebble.