Skipping predictions on a flush

A method comprising:

• generating predictions in respect of a given block of one or more instructions, the predictions comprising at least:
• a main path prediction in respect of a given branch instruction;
• and
• at least one alternate path prediction in respect of an alternate path of program flow predicted to be followed if the main path prediction is incorrect,
• storing the at least one alternate path prediction in an alternate prediction cache;
• and
• in response to a flush signal indicative of the main path prediction being incorrect to control the branch prediction circuitry to begin generating predictions in respect of a subsequent block of instructions identified by a prediction resumption address;
• identifying the prediction resumption address of the subsequent block of instructions based on the at least one alternate path prediction;
• and
• supporting an encoding of the at least one alternate path prediction that indicates that the alternate path of program flow includes at least one taken branch.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable code for fabrication of an apparatus comprising:

• branch prediction circuitry configured to generate predictions in respect of a given block of one or more instructions, the predictions comprising at least:
• a main path prediction in respect of a given branch instruction;
• and
• at least one alternate path prediction in respect of an alternate path of program flow predicted to be followed if the main path prediction is incorrect,
• wherein the branch prediction circuitry is configured to store the at least one alternate path prediction in an alternate prediction cache;
• and
• block skipping circuitry responsive to a flush signal indicative of the main path prediction being incorrect to control the branch prediction circuitry to begin generating predictions in respect of a subsequent block of instructions identified by a prediction resumption address;
• wherein the block skipping circuitry is configured to identify the prediction resumption address of the subsequent block of instructions based on the at least one alternate path prediction;
• and
• the block skipping circuitry is configured to support an encoding of the at least one alternate path prediction that indicates that the alternate path of program flow includes at least one taken branch.