An Instruction set architecture (ISA) can be seen as an abstraction of CPU from a programmer’s perspective. It defines how the hardware should interpret the machine language.

RISC Vs CISC

RISC: reduced instruction set computers (ARM)

  • Keep instruction set small and highly optimized
  • Simpler and smaller chips. Lower manufacturing costs and power usage
  • Some complex operations need to be implemented as subroutines CISC: complex instruction set computers (x86)
  • Adds many specialized instructions