Compare Branch and Jump Instructions for Computers

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Branch instructions are conditional, altering program flow only if a specific condition is met, while jump instructions are unconditional, directing the program flow to a specified location regardless of any conditions. In some programming languages, such as 68HC11, jumps refer to absolute positions, whereas branches are relative. The definitions of branch and jump can vary slightly depending on the programming context. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective programming and control flow management. Overall, the distinction between branch and jump instructions is essential for optimizing code execution.
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how is "branch" instruction different from "jump"?

Thanks in advance.
 
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A branch instruction is conditional. If some condition is met, program flow jumps to some other location. If the condition is not met, the next instruction is executed instead.

A jump, on the other hand, is not conditional.

- Warren
 
It also sometimes has to do with language you are programming. I believed in 68HC11 code, a jump is for an absolute position, and a branch is relative. Check out the BRA and the JMP commands.

From what I have seen, it is more loose than an absolute definition.

-- MLH
 
ya, we use 68HC12. Thanks for the explanations.
 

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