Describe the fetch-decode-execute cycle in CPU operation.

Describe the fetch-decode-execute cycle in CPU operation.

The fetch-decode-execute cycle is the basic operation of a CPU (Central Processing Unit). It consists of three main steps:

1. Fetch: The CPU fetches the next instruction from the memory. The program counter (PC) holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched. The instruction is then loaded into the instruction register (IR).

2. Decode: The CPU decodes the fetched instruction to determine the operation to be performed. It identifies the opcode (operation code) and any operands or addressing modes associated with the instruction.

3. Execute: The CPU executes the decoded instruction by performing the specified operation. This may involve accessing data from memory, performing arithmetic or logical operations, or transferring control to another part of the program.

After the execution of one instruction, the cycle repeats, and the CPU fetches the next instruction from memory. This cycle continues until the program is complete or interrupted.