processer

The processor, or central processing unit (CPU), is the electronic component that executes instructions of computer programs. The term "processer" is generally considered a misspelling; the standard terms are processor, CPU, or microprocessor.

It performs fetch-decode-execute cycles, using the instruction set architecture to determine operations. It contains a control unit, arithmetic-logic unit, and a set of registers. Many processors include caches to bridge speed gaps with memory. Modern designs use pipelining, out-of-order execution, and speculative execution to improve throughput. They may be multicore, with multiple processing units on a single chip, and support simultaneous multithreading.

Architectures vary: CISC (for example, x86) and RISC (for example, ARM, MIPS, RISC-V). Processors are used as CPUs in general-purpose computers, embedded processors in devices, or systems-on-chip that integrate CPU cores, memory controllers, GPUs, and other components.

Performance is influenced by clock speed, architectural efficiency, core count, cache hierarchy, memory bandwidth, and power consumption. Advances include smaller manufacturing nodes, improved parallelism, SIMD extensions, and specialized accelerators. Thermal design and power management remain critical.

History and impact: since the first microprocessors in the 1970s, processors have grown more capable and energy-efficient, enabling personal computers, mobile devices, servers, and embedded systems. The term processor is sometimes used interchangeably with CPU, microprocessor, or SoC depending on context.