Computer instructions

Updated: 12/31/2022 by Computer Hope

Computer instructions may refer to any of the following:

Logo instructions for a square

1. With the computer processor, instructions are a segment of code containing steps that need to be executed by the processor. For a computer to know how to do anything, it must be provided instructions.

For example, asking the computer to draw a square requires a set of instructions telling the computer how to draw the square. In Logo, a user could complete this task by giving the computer the below instructions. The picture shows the results.

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How does a computer get instructions?

A computer is given instructions by a human using a keyboard or another input device. To interpret these instructions, the computer uses an operating system, interpreter, or software to translate user commands into something the computer can understand.

Note

The computer can process these instructions by following the computer's instruction set.

2. Computer instructions are steps or documentation that include information on how to operate, perform, or otherwise maintain particular computer software or hardware. If a program or hardware device includes an instruction manual or online instructions, we recommend reviewing it before asking questions.

Tip

With many programs, press the F1 key to get help and instructions on using that program.

3. Instructions are a portion of programming that prompts a computer to execute a function. These instructions are stored on the hard drive or another storage device and are not executed until the user runs them.

4. With computer hardware, instructions for a computer on how to use the device are provided with device drivers.

CPU terms, Data, Information, Instruction set, Logic, Operation code, Order, Program counter, Programming terms, RTFM, SOP