Three Address, Two Address, One Address, and Zero Address Instruction Formats - 25.1.4 | 25. Instruction Types | Computer Organisation and Architecture - Vol 1
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Introduction to Instruction Formats

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Teacher
Teacher

Today we'll discuss instruction formats, which are crucial in how we write programs. Can anyone tell me why the format of an instruction is important?

Student 1
Student 1

I think it's important because different formats can affect how many operations we can do in one instruction.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The number of operands in an instruction affects both its size and its functionality. Let's start by exploring the three address format.

Student 2
Student 2

What does a three address instruction look like?

Teacher
Teacher

A three address format typically includes an opcode followed by three operands. For example, 'ADD R1, R2, R3' would add the values in R2 and R3 and store the result in R1. This format allows for more complex operations.

Student 3
Student 3

So it seems larger instructions can do more!

Teacher
Teacher

Precisely! However, they also take more time to fetch from memory. In summary, three address instructions can perform multiple operations but may slow down execution due to their size.

Two Address Format

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Teacher
Teacher

Moving on, the two address format is the most widely used. Can someone tell me what they think makes it popular?

Student 4
Student 4

It must be because it simplifies things by cutting down the number of operands!

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! In this format, we typically have two operands, with the first one often serving as both a source and a destination. For example, 'ADD R1, R2' adds R2 to R1 and stores the result in R1.

Student 1
Student 1

So, we don't need an additional destination operand?

Teacher
Teacher

Right! This reduces instruction size and speeds up execution, but keep in mind it may overwrite one of the original values. The next format simplifies things even more.

One and Zero Address Formats

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Teacher
Teacher

Now let's examine the one address format. This format usually makes use of an accumulator. What can be expected when using this format?

Student 2
Student 2

I suppose it should make writing instructions shorter?

Teacher
Teacher

That's right! You can use simple instructions, like just 'ADD 3030', which assumes the accumulator is used. It reduces instruction length but requires more operations overall.

Student 3
Student 3

What about the zero address format?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! The zero address format relies on a stack. An instruction like 'ADD' will pop the top two values from the stack, add them, and push the result back. This can simplify instructions but increases program complexity.

Student 4
Student 4

So stack management becomes a big part of this format?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, exactly! Low-level CPU management of the stack is crucial in these cases. This concludes our overview of instruction formats!

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section introduces various instruction formats in computer architecture, focusing on their structure and functionality.

Standard

The content discusses the three primary instruction formats—three address, two address, one address, and zero address—delineating their components, use cases, and how they affect the complexity and execution of code. Each format is presented with examples to illustrate its significance.

Detailed

In this section, we explore four primary instruction formats used in computer architecture: three address, two address, one address, and zero address. These formats dictate how instructions are structured in a program. The three address format allows for an opcode and three operands, facilitating complex operations in a single instruction but increasing instruction size. The two address format, often more compact, uses two operands and can sometimes designate one operand as both source and destination, which simplifies execution. The one address format typically relies on an accumulator, making it more efficient but potentially requiring more instructions for the same task. Lastly, the zero address format leverages a stack, which simplifies the instruction by including only the operation, yet introduces complexity in stack management. Understanding these formats is crucial for optimization in programming and computer system design.

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Instruction Types Overview

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Now, basically what are the instruction types? So, basically even if you have look at the C program what do you have? You declare some variables, then you do some addition, multiplication, subtraction and you have loops. So, basically and some standard printf and scanf statement. So, basically no code can have anything other than this that is data transfer instructions, arithmetic and logical instructions and basically control instructions.

Detailed Explanation

In programming, especially in languages like C, instructions can be generally categorized into three types: data transfer, arithmetic & logical, and control instructions. Data transfer instructions handle moving data around, arithmetic & logical instructions perform mathematical operations or logic operations, and control instructions manage the flow of the program, such as through loops or conditionals.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a restaurant kitchen. The data transfer instructions are like waitstaff moving ingredients (data) from the pantry to the chef (registers). Arithmetic and logical instructions are the chefs preparing dishes (mathematical operations). Finally, control instructions are the head chef giving orders on what dish to prepare next based on customer orders (control flow).

Types of Instructions Explained

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So, whenever you say scanf, storing some variables basically they are nothing but data transfer operation; you get the value of the data from the memory, then arithmetic and logical instruction; that is the most important one like you do add subtract multiply etcetera and control like you have loops.

Detailed Explanation

Data transfer operations involve getting input (like using scanf) and placing it in variables. The arithmetic and logical instructions are the core computations (like adding, subtracting), while control instructions dictate how the program flows, allowing for actions based on conditions (like loops). This categorization helps in structuring program operations.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a school classroom. The teacher (data transfer) takes attendance, the students (arithmetic/logical operations) complete math problems, and the class schedule (control) determines what subject to study next. Each part needs to function correctly to keep the day running smoothly.

Three Address Instruction Format

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Now, again as I told you three address instruction format is that there will be opcode destination source and source. This is a special type of an instruction means similar addition compared to this add instruction.

Detailed Explanation

The three address instruction format allows specifying three operands: an opcode (the operation to perform), a destination (where the result goes), and two sources (the values to operate on). This versatility can lead to complex operations in fewer instructions, though it can increase the instruction complexity.

Examples & Analogies

Think of ordering coffee with ingredients. You might say, 'Add sugar (source1) and cream (source2) to my coffee (destination).' This way, you specify exactly how you want your drink prepared in one instruction instead of having to order sugar and cream separately.

Two Address Instruction Format

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2 instruction format is the most widely accepted. It says that opcode source source; that means, what happen is that sometimes actually like as I showed you ADD R1, R2 that means it says that; whatever is the value of R1 value of R2 you have to add to R1 and store back.

Detailed Explanation

In the two address instruction format, the result is stored back in one of the sources. This means one operand is both a source value and destination for the result, leading to simpler instructions. The compactness of these instructions typically makes them easier to execute by the CPU.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a chef making a sandwich. If the chef takes the bread (source1) and adds ham (source2), the sandwich is now reassembled with new ingredients (the result is stored in bread). Thus, the same piece of bread serves as both the source and destination.

One Address Instruction Format

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In this case as I told you one is a de facto standard is the accumulator; that means, whenever I say add 3030, if nothing is mentioned, that is a register which is the accumulator.

Detailed Explanation

One address instruction formats rely on an accumulator, a designated register where the result of operations is stored. For instance, an operation might only need one operand explicitly stated since the accumulator is implied. This reduces instruction length but increases the number of instructions needed to complete tasks.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a simple notepad. If you can only write one thing down at a time (using an accumulator), you might need to write multiple times to achieve the same effect as writing everything at once. However, it simplifies the writing because there's only one space to manage.

Zero Address Instruction Format

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The last instruction format is 0 address format, in zero address format basically only the operation is specified, but a de facto standard is that you have a stack with it.

Detailed Explanation

Zero address instructions specify only the operation and rely on a stack to manage operands. For example, an addition operation might pop the top two numbers off the stack, perform the addition, and push the result back. This can streamline certain types of operations but requires managing the stack carefully.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a magician pulling out cards from a hat (the stack). You don't specify which cards, rather you just tell the magician to add the top cards together, the exact procedure is implied by the magic trick itself, rather than stated explicitly.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Three Address Format: Includes an opcode and three operands, allowing for complex instructions.

  • Two Address Format: Uses an opcode and two operands, typically saving one operand as both source and destination.

  • One Address Format: Typically uses an accumulator, resulting in smaller instruction sizes but more operations required.

  • Zero Address Format: Relies on a stack to pop operands for operations and push results back, simplifying instruction at the cost of complexity.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • A three address instruction might look like: ADD R1, R2, R3, which adds R2 and R3 and stores the result in R1.

  • In a two address instruction, ADD R1, 3030 adds the value from memory address 3030 to R1 and stores the result in R1.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Three addresses make it grand, add them up just as planned.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a wizard with three magic spells ready to combine, each spell represented by an address; mixing their power creates a new spell in the first address.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • For memory aids, remember the acronym 'TAZO' - Three, Two, One, Zero for the formats discussed.

🎯 Super Acronyms

Remember 'CAIT' - Conditional, Address, Instruction, Type for understanding instruction variations.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Instruction Format

    Definition:

    The structure of an instruction in programming, defining how operands and operations are represented.

  • Term: Operand

    Definition:

    A value that an operator acts on, such as a variable or constant in an expression.

  • Term: Opcode

    Definition:

    The part of an instruction that specifies the operation to be performed.

  • Term: Accumulator

    Definition:

    A register used to store intermediate results of arithmetic and logic operations.

  • Term: Stack

    Definition:

    A data structure used to hold temporary data, mainly supporting last-in, first-out (LIFO) operations.