C Tutorials C++ Tutorials Java Tutorials Python Tutorials JavaScript Tutorials TypeScript Tutorials C# Tutorials Go Tutorials Rust Tutorials PHP Tutorials Kotlin Tutorials Swift Tutorials
HTML Tutorials CSS Tutorials Frontend Development Backend Development React Tutorials Next.js Tutorials Node.js Tutorials Django Tutorials Mobile App Development
Beginner Tutorials Advanced Guides Coding Roadmaps Interview Preparation DSA Tutorials Projects & Examples Cheat Sheets
About Us Contact Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Disclaimer Sitemap

Goto Statement in C

The goto statement in C allows unconditional transfer of control to a labeled statement within the same function. It is generally used to jump to a specific part of the code.

Syntax

label: statement; ... goto label;

Example

int i = 1; if (i == 1) { goto skip; } printf("This will be skipped\n"); skip: printf("Control jumped here\n"); // Output: Control jumped here

How It Works

  • The goto statement transfers control to the labeled statement immediately.
  • The label must exist within the same function; you cannot jump to a label in another function.
  • It can be used inside loops or conditional statements to jump to a specific point.
  • Overuse of goto can make code hard to read and debug.

Tips

  • Use goto sparingly; prefer structured control statements like loops and if-else.
  • Label names should be descriptive to indicate the purpose of the jump.
  • Use goto for error handling in deeply nested conditions when necessary.
  • Avoid jumping into loops or skipping variable initializations.

Common Mistakes

  • Using goto excessively, which creates spaghetti code.
  • Jumping to labels outside the current function, which causes a compile-time error.
  • Skipping initialization of variables by jumping over declarations.
  • Confusing goto with break or continue; they have different purposes.