5.1.4 Instruction Cycle (Fetch, Decode, Execute, Store)

Computers follow a set of steps over and over again to run programs. This cycle is called the Instruction Cycle, and it has four main parts:

Fetch: The CPU goes to memory (like looking in a book) and gets the next instruction it needs to follow.
Decode: The CPU figures out what that instruction means. It's like translating a secret code into something it understands.
Execute: The CPU performs the instruction. This might mean doing a math problem with the ALU, moving data around, or doing something else entirely.
Store: If the instruction created a result, the CPU saves that result somewhere, usually back in memory (like writing down the answer).

This cycle happens millions or even billions of times per second, making your computer incredibly fast!