control-flow graph

views updated

control-flow graph A directed graph representing the sequence of execution in a program unit, in which nodes represent branching points or subprogram calls in a program, and arcs represent linear sequences of code. From the control-flow graph an analysis can show

the structure of the program,

starts and ends of program segments,

unreachable code and dynamic halts,

branches from within loops,

entry and exit points for loops,

paths through the program.

See also static analysis.