Software → Programming
Control Flow
The order in which statements, instructions, or function calls are executed.
Motivation
Control flow solves the problem of making a program choose, repeat, and sequence behavior instead of running every statement once in order.
Where it fits
It belongs to programming and underpins functions, algorithms, error handling, concurrency, and state machines.
Mental model
Control flow is the set of roads through a program. Conditions choose roads, loops revisit roads, and function calls jump into named roads.
Important details
The common forms are sequencing, branching, looping, early return, exceptions, and function calls.
Common mistakes
- Hiding too much logic in deeply nested branches.
- Using clever control flow where simple early returns would be clearer.