GOTO
Line-hopping instruction
GOTO is a programming command that directs execution to jump to a specified location in the code, labeled by a line number or identifier.
Once fundamental to early languages like BASIC and FORTRAN, GOTO fell out of favor as structured programming emerged—the famous critique "Go To Statement Considered Harmful" argued it produced tangled, unreadable code.
Modern languages discourage or omit it entirely, though it persists in some contexts.
Outside programming, goto (lowercase, one word) sometimes appears as informal shorthand for a destination or default choice: Thai food is my goto for takeout.
Expressed claim or fact
- jumpPropel oneself airborne
- labelIdentifying attachment or marker
- branchDivision or woody limb
- spaghetti codePoorly structured program
BASIC · line number · unconditional · transfer · instruction · execute · syntax · legacy code
No longer in use
- antiquatedOld and outdated
- outdatedNo longer in use
- harmfulCausing damage or injury
- discouragedHaving lost confidence or enthusiasm
superseded · legacy · refactor · code smell · anti-pattern · avoided · forbidden · banned
Authoritative instruction given
- hotkeyProgrammed key combination
- macroRecorded command sequence
- keyboard shortcutKey combo triggering commands
- menuList of available dishes
quick access · launcher · function key · keybinding · automation
Intended arrival point
- waypointNavigation reference location
- coordinatesLocation-specifying number pairs
- GPSSatellite-based location technology
- routePath from A to B
directions · location · map · point of interest · travel · itinerary · landmark
statement
Expressed claim or fact
spaghetti code · BASIC · line number · unconditional · transfer · instruction · execute · syntax · legacy code · harmful
obsolete
No longer in use
- antiquatedOld and outdated
- outdatedNo longer in use
- harmfulCausing damage or injury
discouraged · superseded · legacy · refactor · code smell · anti-pattern · avoided · forbidden · banned
command
Authoritative instruction given
- hotkeyProgrammed key combination
- macroRecorded command sequence
- keyboard shortcutKey combo triggering commands
menu · quick access · launcher · function key · keybinding · automation
destination
Intended arrival point
- waypointNavigation reference location
- coordinatesLocation-specifying number pairs
- GPSSatellite-based location technology
route · directions · location · map · point of interest · travel · itinerary · landmark
GOTOfor loop
Counted repetition structure
while loop · subroutine · procedure · recursion · break
- got toAffected or irritated
- gotta goCasual departure announcement
- got to knowBecame familiar with