Does Java Have a `goto` Statement, and If So, Why Is It Rarely Used?

Can You Use a Goto Statement in Java?

Despite popular belief that Java lacks a goto statement, it's listed as a keyword in the language. So, where and why can it be used?

Answer

While the goto statement was initially implemented in the original JVM, James Gosling later removed it as unnecessary. The primary reason for its exclusion is that it can often be replaced with more legible alternatives like break/continue statements or by isolating code into methods.

As James Gosling himself stated in a Q&A session, goto introduces unnecessary complexity to code when it can be expressed more clearly with other constructs. Additionally, it can easily lead to unstructured and difficult-to-follow code that hinders maintainability.

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