non-branching programming

noun
UK /nɒnˈbrɑːntʃɪŋ ˈprəʊɡræmɪŋ/
US /nɑːnˈbræntʃɪŋ ˈproʊɡræmɪŋ/

Non-branching programming is when a computer follows a straight line of steps without ever choosing a different path.

In non-branching programming, the robot walks forward, turns, and stops, no matter what happens.

SYNONYMS

straight-line programminglinear programmingsequential programmingbranchless programming

RELATED WORDS

sequenceflowinstructionloopalgorithm

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A coding style that avoids if-statements and other conditional jumps to keep execution predictable.

The game's physics engine uses non-branching programming so every frame runs at the same speed.

3. A teaching approach where beginners write programs that run top to bottom with no decisions.

Her first lesson on non-branching programming had students draw a square with simple commands.

4. A hardware design technique where instructions execute in a fixed order without control-flow changes.

The chip's non-branching programming makes it fast for simple signal processing.