Looping without GoTo

[TrailMyx]

ok you guys have totaly confused me now. for some one who is just starting on his path to scripting is it easyer to learn with or with out goto's ?

You know, whatever works for you.  There are a few people here who are militantly against using gotos because some strange GOTO monster scared them when they were young.  If you find them useful, then by all means.  They are just another tool in the toolbox.  The problem with most people is they OVERUSE them. 

For you as you are just starting out, try to understand how the WHILE, REPEAT/UNTIL looping structures work also.  Then you can determine for yourself how you might want your code to loop.

[12TimesOver]

Use whatever method suits the purpose.

If you do use goto's remember that they aren't the only way to setup a loop and that it's bad, bad, bad to jump between subs with goto's.

I've taken a liking to repeat...until statements myself but I still see the value of an appropriately placed goto now and again.

XII

[TrailMyx]

If you do use goto's remember that they aren't the only way to setup a loop and that it's bad, bad, bad to jump between subs with goto's.

Amen, brotha!

[Cerveza]

Don't listen to them.... FEAR THE GOTO for they are evil 

GOTO's prance around scripts like they are Gods. No matter what is going on, they have absolute control over where the code flows. And you know what they say about absolute power... yep, it Corrupts Absolutely.

Lets have a look at this little gosub. He's just enjoying his part in the script waiting patiently until he's needed, then he'll perform his function as programmed, then graciously return to the main script. He's a team player.

Code: [Select]

gosub Our_Friend
the rest of the script

sub Our_Friend
waits patiently until called
finally the moment comes
performs his part
knows he's a small part of the bigger picture
finishes up his role
happily returns control back to the script
Now lets see what GOTO does to him....

Code: [Select]

gosub Our_Friend
the rest of the script

sub Our_Friend
waits patiently until called
finally the moment comes

GOTO SOMEWHERE_ELSE

looks around confused
wonders where the script went
wonders why the script doesn't need him any more
worries it might have been something he said, or did
wonders if he should return, or not....
feels that if he did return it might be awkward for the mainscript
confusion sets in
sits idly by, crying quietly to himself, wondering why the script turned it's back on him
...... sorry..... something in my eye...... sec.......

[TrailMyx]

It's frightening what goes on in Cervezas mind!!! 

[OMGBurgers]

I used to use goto's a LOT but I've been really trying to cut down on them.  The main thing that is making me cut down on them is because of ScriptUO.  I hate to clutter that nifty right panel that shows all my tags/gotos with a buncha stupid goto's because I just never used whiles/repeatuntil etc.

Can't say it made the code more stable, because if you do it right it's all the same.  But I can say wow, it's really made debugging and reading it a LOT easier because you don't have to jump aroudn the tags with your eyes you just see the brackets and indents and know where your loops and all are.

I would personally use whiles/repeatuntils as much as possible, but don't be afraid of using gotos for your "main loops".  I still have a LOT to learn.  I'm sure people who read my code know that.  But hey, it works!

[Endless Night]

Wow this thread has not imploded yet...

Gotos = Evil

Repeat..until / While  = ! Evil.

LOL

Gotos should be used like crack .. sparingly and precautions taken.. otherwise you will soon be headed down the ugly road of addiction....