ALU stands for “Arithmetic Logic Unit.” It’s a digital circuit that performs arithmetic and logical operations on binary numbers. The ALU is a key component of the central processing unit (CPU) in a computer and is responsible for executing arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as logical operations like AND, OR, and NOT.
The ALU operates on binary data, which means it processes ones and zeros to perform calculations and make logical decisions. It takes input operands from the CPU’s registers, performs the specified operation, and then stores the result back in a register. The ALU’s output might also include condition flags, which are used to indicate the result of the operation, such as whether the result is zero or negative.
Modern CPUs often include ALUs with multiple functions and capabilities, allowing them to handle complex operations efficiently. The ALU plays a critical role in the overall computation process within a computer’s CPU, contributing to the execution of various tasks and programs.