goto Statement in C++

The goto statement in C++ is a control flow statement that provides for an unconditional jump to the same function's predefined label statement. In simple terms, the goto is a jump statement transfers the control flow of a program to a labeled statement within the scope of the same function, breaking the normal flow of a program.

In this article, we will learn about the goto statement and its various use cases in C++.

Syntax of goto in C++

Following is the syntax of the goto statement:

goto label_name;
  .
 .
 .
 // Skipped code
 .
 .
 .
label_name:
 // Execution continues here

The label can be present anywhere in the same scope. For example, in the below code, the label is present before the goto resulting in a loop.

label_name:
 // Some code
 // ...
 .
 .
 .
goto label_name; // Jumps back to the label creating loop

here, label_name is the unique identifier and goto is the keyword.

Flow Diagram of goto Statement

The following diagram represents the workflow of the goto statement:

Examples of goto Statement in C++

Example 1: Simple Program to Demonstrate the Use of goto

First Statement
Third Statement

Explanation

• The program starts by printing "First Statement".
• The goto skip_in_between; statement transfers control to the label skip_in_between, skipping the "Second Statement".
• The skip_in_between label marks the point to jump to, where "Third Statement" is printed.

Example 2: Creating infinite loop

Output

Count: 0
Count: 1
Count: 2
Count: 3
Count: 4
Count: 5
... {till infinite}

Nore: It is very easy to create the errors such as infinite loops using goto even by mistake so we need to be extra careful while using it. Although in the programming community, the use of goto is highly discouraged.

Example 3: Program to Demonstrate Some Sensible Use goto

Output

Error opening file

Explanation: In the above program goto statement is used for error handling. If the file cannot be opened then the program flow jumps to the error label and prints an error message for the users before returning 1 to the console.

But this can be easily done with the help of if-else statements also at they provide better risk protection as compared to goto.

Properties of C++ goto Statement

• The labels have scope limited to functions only and must be unique within a function.
• Using goto, we can only jump within the same function. It cannot transfer control between functions.
• The label and the goto statement using it must be in the same function.
• The label can be placed before or after the goto statement.

Disadvantages of using goto Statement

Code using goto can be difficult to read, understand and maintaining code with goto statements can be challenging, as it introduces non-linear control flow that may lead to spaghetti code, where the program flow becomes difficult to follow.

For example, try to deduce the control flow of the below program:

End of program.

Confusing, isn't it? Now imagine a thousand lines of code with hundreds of goto statements.