Goto Statement in Programming
Last Updated :
22 Mar, 2024
Goto statement is a control flow statement present in certain programming languages like C and C++. It enables programmers to transfer program control to a labeled section of code within the same function or block. Despite its availability, its usage is often discouraged in modern programming practices due to its potential to complicate code structure and reduce readability. In this article, we will discuss about a Goto statement used in programming.
What is a Goto Statement?
The goto statement, found in languages like C and C++, allows the program to jump to a labeled section of code within the same function or block. The goto statement can be used to jump from anywhere to anywhere within a function.
Syntax of Goto Statement:
The basic syntax of the goto statement is as follows:
goto label;
Here, the label is a predefined identifier followed by a colon (:), marking a specific location in the code.
Common Use Cases of Goto Statement:
While the goto statement can be misused and lead to "messy code," there are some scenarios where it may be considered useful:
- Breaking out of nested loops.
- Jumping to a common error-handling section.
- Implementing state machines or complex state transitions.
However, its usage is often discouraged due to its potential to create complex and difficult-to-follow co