How do I implement jump tables in programming?

How do I implement jump tables in programming?

Jump tables are a programming construct that allows for efficient branching. They can be implemented using arrays or hash maps.

Can you give me an example of a jump table in C?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

#include <stdio.h>

void case1() { printf("Case 1\n"); }
void case2() { printf("Case 2\n"); }
void case3() { printf("Case 3\n"); }

int main() {
    void (*jumpTable[])() = {case1, case2, case3};
    int choice;
    printf("Enter a case number (0-2): ");
    scanf("%d", &choice);
    if (choice >= 0 && choice < 3) {
        jumpTable[choice]();
    } else {
        printf("Invalid choice\n");
    }
    return 0;
}

What are the advantages of using jump tables?

Jump tables can improve performance by reducing the number of conditional checks and allowing for faster branching.

Are there any downsides to using jump tables?

Yes, jump tables can increase memory usage and may complicate code readability, especially for large tables.