Definition
Branch (Computer Architecture)
A branch is a control-flow change in which the next instruction is chosen from more than one possible successor address.
In the simplest case, execution either continues with the next sequential instruction or jumps to a branch target.
Branches therefore make control flow depend on a condition, which is why they are a main source of control hazards in pipelined processors.
Example
Conditional branch
A conditional branch may test whether two register values are equal.
- If the condition is true, control jumps to the branch target.
- Otherwise, execution continues with the next sequential instruction.