Definition

1. Noun:
   • The portion of a set of operation descriptions that specifies the operation to be performed: In computing, this is the specific part of an instruction that defines the action (e.g., add, move, compare) to be executed by a processor.
   • The set of operations in a computer: This refers to the complete collection of fundamental actions that a computer's central processing unit (CPU) is designed to perform.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The programmer examined the operation code to understand what the instruction would do.
  • Different processor architectures have different sets of operation codes.
  • The MOV and ADD commands are common operation codes in assembly language.

Advanced Usage

• "To decode an operation code": This refers to the process where a CPU interprets the binary pattern of an instruction to determine which specific operation to execute.
  • The control unit is responsible for decoding each operation code fetched from memory.

Variants and Related Words

• Opcode (n): A common abbreviation for "operation code."

  • The opcode for the jump instruction is 0xEA in this system.

• Instruction set (n): The complete collection of operation codes understood by a particular CPU.

  • The new chip features an expanded instruction set with more complex operation codes.

Synonyms

• Command code: A synonym emphasizing the instruction aspect.
• Machine code instruction: Refers to the binary representation that includes the operation code.

Related Phrases

• Operation code field: The specific section within a machine instruction format that contains the opcode.
  • The first eight bits of the 32-bit instruction are reserved for the operation code field.

Noun

1. the portion of a set of operation descriptions that specifies the operation to be performed; the set of operations in a computer