Understanding the CPU's Fetch-Execute Cycle

Your computer is just a super-fast machine following a simple to-do list. That list is your

program, stored in memory. The CPU, your computer's brain,

has a special bookmark called the Program Counter. It points to the next instruction

on the list. The CPU fetches that instruction, figures out what it means—like "add

these two numbers"—and executes it. Once done, the bookmark moves to the next line.

This simple fetch-and-execute cycle happens billions of times a second. Every game you play, every video you

watch, is just this basic loop running at an unbelievable speed.