Speculative Execution

Speculative execution is a performance technique used by processors to increase speed. When a computer anticipates which instructions it will need next, it begins executing them in advance, even before confirming they are necessary. If the prediction is correct, this saves time; if not, the results are discarded, and the processor corrects course. This process relies on guessing, which can sometimes create security risks if sensitive data is accessed during these guesses. Overall, speculative execution boosts efficiency but requires careful management to ensure safety and accuracy.