<programming> (Or "GOTO", "go to", "GO TO", "JUMP", "JMP") A
construct and keyword found in several higher-level
programming languages (e.g. Fortran, COBOL, BASIC, C)
to cause an unconditional jump or transfer of control from
one point in a program to another. The destination of the
jump is usually indicated by a label.
In some languages, a label is a line number, in which case
every statement may be labelled, in others a label is an
optional alphanumeric identifier. In any case, the
destination label usually follows the GOTO keyword.
Use of the GOTO instruction in high level language
programming fell into disrepute with the development and
general acceptance of structured programming, and especially
following the famous article "GOTO statement considered
harmful". Since a GOTO is effectively an assignment to the
program counter, it is tempting to make the generalisation
"assignment considered harmful" and indeed, this is the basis
of functional programming.
Nearly(?) all machine language instruction sets include a
GOTO instruction, though in this context it is usually called
branch or jump or some mnemonic based on these.
See also COME FROM.
(2000-12-13)
Nearby terms:
Gosperism « GOSPL « gotcha « goto » Gottlob Frege » gov » Government OSI Profile
