PL/SQL Goto

Goto is a command used in programming languages to transfer the control of the program to a particular label, which acts as a target destination. The use of the Goto command is discouraged by many developers as it can create complex and hard-to-read code. However, in some cases, it can be useful and efficient when used properly.

In PL/SQL, the Goto command can be used to transfer control to a label within the same block, subprogram, or package. The syntax for the Goto command in PL/SQL is as follows:

GOTO label_name;

Here, label_name is the name of the target label that you want to transfer control to. The target label must be defined within the same block, subprogram, or package.

Example

Here is an example of how the Goto command can be used in a PL/SQL block:

DECLARE
   x NUMBER := 10;
BEGIN
   IF x < 20 THEN
      GOTO label1; -- If x<20, transfer control to label1
   END IF;
   DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE('Value of x is greater than 20');
   <<label1>> -- target label
   DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE('Value of x is less than 20');
END;

If the value of x is less than 20, the control will be transferred to the label1 target label, and the program will print 'Value of x is less than 20'. Otherwise, it will print 'Value of x is greater than 20'.

Conclusion

The Goto command should be used with caution since it can make the code difficult to read and maintain. However, when used correctly, it can provide an efficient and precise way of branching within a program. Always make sure to use descriptive label names so that the code remains readable and understandable.