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Overview of Computer Architecture

To become effective at programming, you have to know how computers are built. Computer architecture refers to the design of a computer’s components that execute programs.

Computer architecture

Key Components

  1. Input:

    • Definition: Data or instructions provided to the computer by users or devices (e.g., keyboard, sensors).
    • Role in Programming: Programs often begin by receiving input, such as numbers or text, to process.
    • Example: An application would accept a user's name from a keyboard as input to personalized messaging.

  2. Output:

    • Definition: Results or information the computer produces after processing input.
    • Role in Programming: Programs generate output, such as writing into a display unit or writing into a file.
    • Example: An application that adds 5 and 7 shows "12" to the screen.

  3. RAM (Random Access Memory):

    • Definition: Temporary storage for data and instructions while a program runs.
    • Role in Programming: Stores variables (like a score or user input) for faster retrieval during program run time.
    • Key Point: RAM is volatile—the data is erased when you turn off your computer.
    • Example: A program that follows a score in a game stores the value in RAM for real-time updating.

  4. ROM (Read-Only Memory):

    • Definition: Permanent storage for essential instructions, like firmware or boot-up processes.
    • Role in Programming: Rarely accessed directly by programmers. ROM is what instructs the computer to boot and load the operating system.
    • Key Point: ROM is non-volatile, retaining data without power.

  5. Binary and Digital Signals:

    • Definition: Computers use binary (0s and 1s) to represent data and instructions, based on digital signals (on/off states in circuits).
    • Role in Programming: Programm is initially converted into binary (machine code) before executing in the processor.
    • Why Binary?: Hardware uses electrical signals with two states, represented as 0 and 1.
    • Example: The character "B" is stored as a binary code (e.g., 01000010 in ASCII) for processing.

Programming and Architecture

  • Programs receive input from devices like keyboards or mice.
  • They store and manipulate data in RAM during execution.
  • The processor executes instructions, stored as binary in RAM or ROM.
  • Programs generate output, for example, characters on a screen or files on a storage.