Unit 2: Programming languages and programming

Question 1

machine language vs. human language

Answer 1

machine language => binary digits (1s & 0s) a CPU can understand
-> long string = error prone
-> e.g. 1000110001

human language = short words & symbols
e.g. mov val, 61 => move the value 61

Question 2

Von Neumann Architecture
-> “How do computers work?”

IPO

Answer 2

Input → Processing → Output
=> Computers clearly divided into different areas & physically separated

1) Input: Data/Command I put into computer (e.g., by using a keyboard or mouse).
2) Processing: CPU processes input.
3) Output: Results are displayed or sent out through devices like monitors, printers, or speakers.

Question 3

3 Main Components of the Von Neumann Architecture

Answer 3

1) Central Processing Unit (CPU): “Brain”.
-> Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Arithmetic (like addition or subtraction) & logical operations.
-> Control Unit: Directs activity in computer. Tells components what to do.

2) Memory = Temporarily storage.

3) Input & Output Devices:
-> Input devices (keyboard, mouse): data -> computer.
-> Output devices (monitor, printer) display result.

Question 4

Limitations: The Von Neumann Bottleneck

Answer 4

“Von Neumann Bottleneck”
=> instructions & data use the same communication path between CPU & memory => slow down

Problem for modern environments:
=> shared pathways = delays

Solution: parallel processing systems with multiple processors