To determine whether a number is happy or unhappy, we typically need to repeat the process of calculating the sum of the squares of its digits until we either reach 1 (indicating that the number is happy) or enter a cycle that includes 4 (indicating that the number is unhappy).
Among the constructs you've provided, the most suitable option for this task is the while loop. This is because a while loop can effectively continue executing the sum of squares calculation until we reach a terminating condition (either reaching 1 or falling into an unhappy cycle).
Using a set or similar structure (like a queue or list) could also help trace previously seen numbers to detect cycles, but the primary construct needed to perform the repetitive calculation efficiently is the while loop.
Thus, the answer is: while loop.