CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing)

CISC, or Complex Instruction Set Computing, refers to a type of computer architecture that uses a rich set of instructions to perform multiple tasks within a single command. This means that each instruction can execute complex operations, reducing the number of instructions needed for a program. CISC designs aim to make programming easier and more efficient, as fewer lines of code are required. However, this complexity can make the processing less efficient because the processor must decode these intricate instructions. Common examples of CISC architectures include the x86 processors used in many personal computers.