Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

goto
     
         (Or "GOTO", "go to", "GO TO", "JUMP", "JMP") A
        construct and {keyword} found in several higher-level
        programming languages (e.g. {Fortran}, {COBOL}, {BASIC}, {C})
        to cause an {unconditional jump} or transfer of {control} from
        one point in a program to another.  The destination of the
        jump is usually indicated by a {label}.
     
        In some languages, a label is a line number, in which case
        every statement may be labelled, in others a label is an
        optional alphanumeric {identifier}.  In any case, the
        destination label usually follows the GOTO keyword.
     
        Use of the GOTO instruction in {high level language}
        programming fell into disrepute with the development and
        general acceptance of {structured programming}, and especially
        following the famous article "GOTO statement {considered
        harmful}".  Since a GOTO is effectively an {assignment} to the
        {program counter}, it is tempting to make the generalisation
        "assignment considered harmful" and indeed, this is the basis
        of {functional programming}.
     
        Nearly(?) all {machine language} {instruction sets} include a
        GOTO instruction, though in this context it is usually called
        branch or jump or some {mnemonic} based on these.
     
        See also {COME FROM}.
     
        (2000-12-13)