Computer architecture defines the attributes of a system that are visible to a programmer and have a direct impact on the logical execution of a program.

The techniques specified in the ISA to determine where the data operands for an instruction are located (e.g., in registers or main memory).

Dictates how numbers, characters, and logical values are encoded as binary digits within the hardware. Predominant Design Philosophies:

Focuses on simple, highly optimized instructions that execute in a single clock cycle, prioritizing speed and efficient hardware pipelines (e.g., ARM). COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND ARCHITECTURE

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), data types, and addressing modes. Control signals, memory technology, and bus structures. The architectural blueprint of a house.

The actual bricks, cement, and electrical wiring used to build it. 🛠️ 2. Core Components of Computer Architecture

The critical interface between software and hardware. It defines the native commands (like ADD , MOVE , or JUMP ) that the processor can understand and execute.

Focuses on rich, complex instructions that can perform multi-step operations in a single command, prioritizing smaller code sizes (e.g., x86).