Computer instructions may refer to any of the following:

  1. When referring to the computer processor, instructions are a segment of code containing steps that need to be executed by the processor. For a computer to know how to do anything, it must be provided instructions.

For example, asking the computer to draw a square requires a set of instructions telling the computer how to draw the square. In Logo, a user could complete this task by giving the computer the below instructions. The picture is an example of the results.

forward 100 right 90 forward 100 right 90 forward 100 right 90 forward 100

How does a computer get instructions?

A computer is given instructions by a human using a keyboard or another input device. To interpret these instructions, the computer uses an operating system, interpreter, or software to translate user commands into something the computer can understand.

  1. Computer instructions are steps or documentation that include information on how to operate, perform, or otherwise maintain particular computer software or hardware. If a program or hardware device includes an instruction manual or online instructions, we recommend reviewing it before asking questions.

The computer can process these instructions by following the computer’s instruction set.

  • How to create a computer program.
  1. Instructions are a portion of programming that prompts a computer to execute a function. These instructions are stored on the hard drive or another storage device and are not executed until the user runs them.

With many programs, you can press the F1 key to get help and instructions on using that program.

  • How to find information about computer products.
  • How to learn more about computers.
  1. With computer hardware, instructions for a computer on how to use the device are provided with device drivers.

CPU terms, Data, Information, Instruction set, Logic, Program counter, Programming terms, RTFM, SOP