instruction pointer

Also found in: Acronyms.

instruction pointer

[in′strək·shən ‚pȯint·ər]
(computer science)
A component of a task descriptor that designates the next instruction to be executed by the task.
An element of the control component of the stack model of block structure execution, which points to the current instruction.

instruction register

A high-speed circuit that holds an instruction for decoding and execution. See program counter and instruction set.

program counter

A register in the control unit of the CPU that is used to keep track of the address of the current or next instruction. Typically, the program counter is advanced to the next instruction, and then the current instruction is executed. Also known as a "sequence control register" and the "instruction pointer." See address register and instruction register.
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