instructiontype
Instructiontype refers to a classification system used in computer architecture to categorize the different kinds of commands that a central processing unit (CPU) can execute. CPUs process programs by fetching, decoding, and executing instructions. Instruction types help organize these instructions based on their function and how they operate on data. Common instruction types include arithmetic instructions, which perform calculations like addition and subtraction; logic instructions, which perform bitwise operations such as AND, OR, and NOT; data transfer instructions, which move data between memory and CPU registers; control flow instructions, which alter the sequence of program execution such as jumps and branches; and input/output instructions, which manage communication with external devices. The specific set of instruction types supported by a CPU is defined by its instruction set architecture (ISA). Different ISAs, like x86 or ARM, have varying instruction types and complexities. Understanding instruction types is fundamental to comprehending how software interacts with hardware at a low level.