Jan 8 Flashcards
firtst lecturez(CPU, prefix etc.)
Define “power” in programming languages.
Power is defined by the number of instruction(s) required to replace an equivalent set of instruction(s) at another level of a computer.
What is the job of CPU?
Fetch, decode and execute instructions.
What is a register?
A register is a CPU storage. It stores a single word. For example, a 32-bit register can store a single 32-bit word.
What is the purpose of having a six-level computer? Why not have just a one-level computer?
Multiple levels in computer systems enable a balance between human-readable programming and machine execution, providing modularity and cost-efficiency. They allow humans to program in a language they understand, while software bridges the gap for computers to execute the instructions.
What happens if you change one level in a multilevel computer?
If you change one level, you must change that level and the interpreters(from the level above and below). All levels are modular, if you swap one level, you only need to swap its support methods.
What is the similarity between compilation and interpretation?
Compilation and interpretation both convert higher level language instructions to lower level language instructions.
What is the difference between compilation and interpretation?
Compilation converts the whole program at once, whereas interpretation converts a set of instructions, then executes it before convering the next set. Compilation can take a while initially but once compiled, runs very quickly every time. Interpretaion is faster initially but must do the same thing every time, so can be slower on subsequent runs.
What is a bit?
Binary digit: 0 or 1
What is a byte?
8-bit word
What does CPU stand for?
Central Processing Unit
What is main memory in other word?
RAM
What is bus?
A bus is a shared pathway used for transmitting data between different parts of a computer.
