processers

A processor, or microprocessor, is the central component that executes instructions in a computer or other digital device. The term processers is a common misspelling; the correct plural form is processors.

Typically, a processor contains a control unit, an arithmetic logic unit, registers, and caches. It operates by following a fetch-decode-execute cycle: it fetches an instruction from memory, decodes it to determine the required operation, and executes it, often involving arithmetic or data movement.

There are several kinds: general-purpose CPUs for desktop and server systems; GPUs optimized for parallel data processing; digital signal processors for audio and video; and microcontrollers for embedded applications. Modern CPUs are multi-core and may implement simultaneous multithreading to improve utilization. Systems on a chip combine processing units with memory and peripherals on a single die.

Historically, processors evolved from early discrete components to integrated circuits in the 1970s, beginning with microprocessors such as the Intel 4004. The von Neumann architecture and the growth of transistor density under Moore's law shaped design goals, including higher clock speeds and larger caches. Manufacturing uses CMOS processes with increasingly smaller lithography nodes.

Performance is influenced by clock speed, instructions per cycle, core count, cache size, memory bandwidth, and energy efficiency. Processors determine the capability and efficiency of devices across personal computing, servers, mobile devices, and embedded systems.