Instruction Code

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Instruction Code

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An artificial language for describing or expressing the instructions which can be carried out by a digital computer. </dd>
In automatically sequenced computers, the instruction code is used when describing or expressing sequences of instructions, and each instruction word usually contains a part specifying the operation to be performed and one or more addresses which identify a particular location in storage. Sometimes, an address part of an instruction is not intended to specify a location in storage but is used for some other purpose. If more than one address is used, the code is called a multiple-address code. In a typical instruction of a four-address code, the addresses specify the location of two operands, the destination of the result, and the location of the next instruction in the sequence. In a typical three-address code, the fourth address specifying the location of the next instruction is dispensed with and the instructions are taken from storage in a preassigned order. In a typical one-address or single-address code, the address may specify either the location of an operand to be taken from storage, the destination of a previously prepared result, or the location of the next instruction. The arithmetic element usually contains at least two storage locations, one of which is an accumulator. For example, operations requiring two operands may obtain one operand from the main storage and the other from a storage location in the arithmetic element which is specified by the operation part. </dd>

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use