Architecture Definition/Meaning:
The specification of a (digital) computer system at a somewhat
general level, including description from the programming (user) viewpoint of
the instruction set and user interface, memory organization and addressing, I/O
operation and control, etc. The implementation of an architecture in members of
a given computer family may be quite different, yet all the members should be
capable of running the same program. Implementation differences may occur in
actual hardware components or in subsystem implementation (e.g.
microprogramming as opposed to wired control), generally in both. Different
implementations may have substantially different performances and costs. An
implementation feature - such as a cache memory - that is transparent to the
user does not affect the architecture. Common architecture provides
compatibility from the user's viewpoint.
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