branch (redirected from branching out)

branch

(1) In a low-level programming language, a statement that directs the computer to go to some other part of the program. In assembly languages, "branch" or "jump" instructions provide this capability. In high-level languages, a "goto" statement, as well as several other programming constructs, provide the equivalent of the branch. For example, "IF A EQUALS B GOTO MATCH_ROUTINE." See branch prediction and do loop.

(2) A connection between two blocks in a flowchart or two nodes in a network.

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branch

1. a secondary woody stem arising from the trunk or bough of a tree or the main stem of a shrub

2. a subdivision of the stem or root of any other plant

3. US any small stream

4. Maths a section of a curve separated from the rest of the curve by discontinuities or special points

5. Computing a departure from the normal sequence of programmed instructions into a separate program area

6. Physics an alternative route in an atomic or nuclear decay series

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branch [branch]

(botany)

A shoot or secondary stem on the trunk or a limb of a tree.

(computer science)

Any one of a number of instruction sequences in a program to which computer control is passed, depending upon the status of one or more variables.

jump

(electricity)

A portion of a network consisting of one or more two-terminal elements in series. Also known as arm.

(engineering)

In a piping system, a pipe that originates in or discharges into another pipe. Also known as branch line.

(hydrology)

A small stream that merges into another, generally bigger, stream.

(mathematics)

A complex function which is analytic in some domain and which takes on one of the values of a multiple-valued function in that domain.

A section of a curve that is separated from other sections of the curve by discontinuities, singular points, or other special points such as maxima and minima.

(nuclear physics)

A product resulting from one mode of decay of a radioactive nuclide that has two or more modes of decay.

(organic chemistry)

side chain

(science and technology)

An area of study representing an independent offshoot of a related basic discipline.

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1.	(mathematics)	branch - An edge in a tree.
2.	(programming)	branch - A jump.