A register is an official list of people and places. You can register to vote or to take classes at the beginning of a semester. You can also register a feeling, such as surprise or anger. The word is also used for a device that shows the intensity of a sound or an image on a screen.
Computer registers are a type of memory built directly into the processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit). They are used to store instructions and data that need immediate processing during arithmetic and logic operations. Registers allow the CPU to avoid requiring frequent access to main memory, enhancing overall processor performance and efficiency.
They also serve as a bridge between the instruction stream and the ALU. The CU fetches an instruction from memory, decodes it and identifies the registers that need to be accessed. The ALU then manipulates the data in those registers and re-stores it back into them. The ALU then executes the arithmetic or logical operation, using the data in the appropriate registers as operands. In the process, it bypasses the need to regularly access slower main memory – a significant source of processor overhead.
The term ‘register’ is also used to describe the general tone or style of a piece of writing. It is typically formal and may contain a lot of technical or legal jargon. Conversely, a piece of writing that is intended to create a close relationship with the reader may use a more casual register and contain slang or informal contractions.
Registers are made of flip-flops and control logic circuitry. Flip-flops are electronic circuits capable of storing a single bit of information, represented by binary data – a 0 or a 1. In combination with multiple flip-flops, registers can store much larger binary values – such as bytes or words.
There are several different types of registers in a computer, including the instruction, accumulator and stack pointer registers. Each holds a unique value, and each has its own purpose during instruction execution. Some instructions specify that the contents of two defined registers be added together.
Another type of register is the loan register, often called a maturity ticker. This is an internal database used by loan servicers to track the progress of loans and their due dates. It enables them to send targeted follow-up communications to loan borrowers.
Register can also mean the way a person speaks or the tone of their voice, the style in which they express themselves. It can also refer to the vocabulary and terms that a specific group of people uses, such as lawyers or doctors.
We register our feelings and opinions by what we say and do. For example, if we are surprised by something that happens, we might show our reaction by saying ‘That really registered with me’. Similarly, when we speak to other people, our word choices and tone of voice will vary depending on the context of the situation. For example, we might use a more formal register when speaking to an authority figure or someone we respect, and a more casual register when talking to friends or romantic partners.