👉 The `goto` statement in programming is a control flow mechanism used to transfer the execution of a program to a specified label, allowing for non-sequential jumps in code. Unlike traditional conditional statements (like `if`, `else`, etc.), which execute based on conditions, `goto` enables direct jumps to any point in the code defined by a label. This is particularly useful for implementing complex control structures, debugging, or situations where the program needs to bypass certain code blocks based on specific conditions or states. However, `goto` should be used sparingly and cautiously, as excessive use can lead to "spaghetti code," making the program harder to read, maintain, and debug.