Why is there no goto statement in Python?

Question

There is no goto in python, but what is the reason behind the unavailability of goto in python 2.X?

Please tell me.

What would be the reason for including it? – Felix Kling Jan 09 '13 at 13:56 — Felix Kling, Jan 09 '13 at 13:56

score 13 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 09 '13 at 13:56

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Why is there no goto?

You can use exceptions to provide a “structured goto” that even works across function calls. Many feel that exceptions can conveniently emulate all reasonable uses of the “go” or “goto” constructs of C, Fortran, and other languages.

In other words: there is no need for goto when you have exception handling.

answered Jan 09 '13 at 13:56

Martijn Pieters

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Yes, between exceptions AND loops, there is no need, see a quick tutorial on looping: http://www.dreamsyssoft.com/python-scripting-tutorial/loops-tutorial.php – Rocky Pulley Jan 09 '13 at 14:30

score 2 · Answer 2 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:15

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You can do every thing using if, else , while and for constructs, adding goto means unstructured programming. goto don't add any extra power in language, its just an unconditional loop.

Why is goto poor practise? and

GOTO still considered harmful?

edited May 23 '17 at 12:15

Community

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answered Jan 09 '13 at 13:59

Grijesh Chauhan

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If you are going to refer to that, also make explicit mention to the respective paper presented by Knuth on the subject at 1974. – mmgp Jan 09 '13 at 14:04
@mmgp Ahaa!! I didn't read ...can you add for me in my answer..:) – Grijesh Chauhan Jan 09 '13 at 14:07

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Jan 09 '13 at 15:06

Even in languages like FORTRAN, where there is still a GOTO, it's not usually recommended that you use it:

http://books.google.com/books?id=D0HOaW-5svQC&pg=PA63&lpg=PA63&dq=fortran+scientists+and+engineers+goto&source=bl&ots=NWYj9wa2y3&sig=TH0NEPkqNtNQgprVpBn912WHJAQ&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WoftUKiJDcuv0AGM-4DYCQ&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=fortran%20scientists%20and%20engineers%20goto&f=false

score 1 · Answer 4 · answered Jan 09 '13 at 14:04

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Python saw the error in their ways, and added a goto!

Just Kidding - please don't use in real code

It was released as an April Fools Joke.

answered Jan 09 '13 at 14:04

Gerrat

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Why is there no goto statement in Python?

4 Answers4

Why is there no goto?