Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Computing) A unique identifier for a location in memory or storage: A "computer address" is a code, typically a numerical value, that specifies the exact location where a piece of data is stored or can be found within a computer's memory system (e.g., RAM, hard disk, or network).
   • A reference point for data retrieval: It serves as a fundamental concept for the operating system and hardware to locate, read, or write information.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The processor uses the computer address to fetch the next instruction from memory.
  • Each byte in the main memory has its own unique computer address.
  • When a program crashes, it sometimes displays an error log containing an invalid computer address.

Advanced Usage

• "Absolute address": A complete, fixed address that directly specifies a memory location without requiring any further calculation.
  • The bootloader is loaded at a specific absolute address in the system's memory.
• "Logical address": An address generated by the CPU during program execution, which is later translated by the memory management unit into a physical address.
  • The program uses logical addresses, which are mapped to physical computer addresses by the operating system.

Variants and Related Words

• Address (n): A more general term for a location identifier, often used interchangeably with "computer address" in technical contexts.
  • The data packet was sent to the wrong network address.
• Memory address (n): A specific type of computer address referring to a location in the computer's RAM.
  • The variable is stored at memory address 0x7ffeeb5d.
• IP address (n): A specific type of computer address that identifies a device on a network using the Internet Protocol.
  • The server's IP address is 192.168.1.1.

Synonyms

• Location: A general term for a place where something is situated.
• Pointer: In programming, a variable whose value is a computer address.
• Reference: Something that refers or directs to a specific location.

Related Phrases

• To address memory: The action of referencing or accessing a specific memory location using its address.
  • The instruction is designed to address memory directly.
• Address space: The total range of computer addresses available to a program or system.
  • The new operating system supports a larger virtual address space.

Noun

1. (computer science) the code that identifies where a piece of information is stored