In Computer Architecture, register is a very small, temporary but fast storage memory used to store data required by the CPU for immediate processing. It is made up of flip-flops and usually holds a limited amount of data ranging from 8 to 64 bits. It works in coordination with the main computer memory to execute programs and operations efficiently.
The word register has multiple meanings: as a noun it can refer to the actual book that you record things in, or it can be the range of sound your voice can make, or that thing the checkout lady uses to ring up your groceries. As a verb, it means to mark down officially or sign up, or to show emotion. If you say you were “registered as stunned” at something, that means you felt a deep and intense emotion.
Another use of the word register is more technical: it can be used to refer to a linear array of clocked flip-flops (usually “D” type) used for high speed storage of a binary word as a bit vector. These registers are part of the memory subsystem in a microprocessor, and can be accessed at a much higher rate than main memory, which requires reading and writing cycles to retrieve data. They are called registers because they act like a digital version of a physical register, with the advantage that the circuitry is much smaller and faster.
There are many different kinds of registers, each one with a specific function and usage. The most common is the formal register, which is used in professional or academic settings where communication is expected to be respectful and uninterrupted. This register typically includes the use of courtesy titles and lacks the use of slang or contractions. Examples include speeches at a conference, a business presentation, or a conversation with a doctor.
A more informal register is the consultative register, which is used in more casual settings such as conversations with friends or acquaintances who have specialized knowledge or advice to offer. This register is often used when you are talking to someone with whom you have a long-standing relationship or who you respect, such as your family doctor.
There are also linguistic registers, which are ways that people use language differently in various situations. For example, you probably use a very different tone of voice when chatting with a friend than you would at a job interview or a formal dinner party. These differences are called stylistic variation and are based on factors such as social occasion, context, and audience.