noun
Uncommon
GOTO
GOH-too
GOTO (noun) means In programming, an instruction that jumps execution straight to another labeled point in the code, skipping the normal top-to-bottom flow. Example: “Overusing goto statements can make code very hard to follow.”
noun
1
In programming, an instruction that jumps execution straight to another labeled point in the code, skipping the normal top-to-bottom flow.
"Overusing goto statements can make code very hard to follow."
verb
1
To jump to a specific point in a program using a goto instruction.
"She and her hosts could not understand one another until Hopper remembered some COBOL commands. "MOVE," she said, pointing to herself. "GOTO Osaka Hotel." The Japanese immediately understood and delivered her to her lodging."
— Computer Languages, Time-Life Books (1990)
"Next - goto the next entity defined in the module"
— Gerald C. Cohen, Structured Representation for Requirements and Specifications (1991)
"The old BASIC program would goto line 100 whenever an error occurred."
"There is no way of falling into or GOTOing a procedure. The procedure can only be invoked by name as a subroutine."
— Douglas S. Stivison, Introduction to Turbo Pascal (1987)
How to use GOTO
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA programming command that jumps to another line of code instead of running lines in order.
Memory tip
Modern programming style guides generally discourage goto because it makes code harder to trace.
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Word forms
- Plural
- GOTOs
- Third person singular
- GOTOs
- Past tense
- GOTOed
Fill the gap
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Overusing _____ statements can make code very hard to follow.
Etymology
A contraction of the phrase "go to", adopted as a keyword in early programming languages.
Rhymes for GOTO
See all rhymes for GOTO →Frequently asked questions
What does “GOTO” mean?
The word “GOTO” means in programming, an instruction that jumps execution straight to another labeled point in the code, skipping the normal top-to-bottom flow. In plain terms, a programming command that jumps to another line of code instead of running lines in order.
How do you pronounce “GOTO”?
“GOTO” is pronounced GOH-too (/ˈɡoʊ.tu/ in IPA).
How do you use “GOTO” in a sentence?
Here is “GOTO” used in a sentence: “Overusing goto statements can make code very hard to follow.”
What part of speech is “GOTO”?
Depending on how it is used, “GOTO” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “GOTO” a common word?
“GOTO” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “GOTO” have?
“GOTO” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in programming, an instruction that jumps execution straight to another labeled point in the code, skipping the normal top-to-bottom flow.
