Hardware and software work together to execute programs from "summary" of Code by Charles Petzold
To understand how a computer program runs, it is essential to grasp the intricate interplay between hardware and software. Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as the processor, memory, and input/output devices. Software, on the other hand, comprises the programs that instruct the hardware on what to do. When you run a program on a computer, the software is loaded into memory, which is a temporary storage area on the computer's hardware. The processor, also known as the CPU, is the brain of the computer that carries out the instructions provided by the software. It executes these instructions by fetching them from memory, decoding them, and then executing them. The software is written in a language that is understandable to humans, such as C++ or Python. However, the CPU can only understand machine language, which is a binary code consisting of 0s and 1s. Therefore, the software must be translated into machine language before it can be executed by the CPU. This translation is carried out by a program called a compiler or interpreter. The execution of a program involves a series of steps that are repeated continuously. The CPU fetches an instruction from memory, decodes it, executes it, and then moves on to the next instruction. This process continues until the program is completed or terminated. Throughout this process, the hardware and software work together seamlessly to ensure that the program runs smoothly and efficiently. In summary, the execution of a computer program is a collaborative effort between hardware and software. The hardware provides the physical infrastructure necessary for running the program, while the software provides the instructions that direct the hardware on what to do. Together, they form a cohesive system that enables the successful execution of programs on a computer.
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