System and method for fast branching using a programmable branch table

A computer-readable medium storing computer executable instructions for performing a method of evaluating multiple-condition branch instructions, the method comprising the steps of:

• executing a computer program including a plurality of microcode instructions;
• evaluating a branch instruction including a plurality of conditions;
• jumping to a next instruction based on a result of the plurality of evaluated conditions;
• and
• executing the next instruction.

A data processing device for executing a program including at least one branch instruction, comprising:

• a memory storing:
• the program, wherein the at least one branch instruction includes a field containing a branch code;
• and
• a branch table data structure that maps at least one branch code to at least one branch function having at least two conditional expressions, wherein possible outcomes of the branching function based on the two or more conditional expressions are stored in the branch table data structure;
• and
• a processor that executes the program and that uses the branch table data structure to execute the at least one branch instruction.