A register is a system of recording an event, transaction, name or other information, an aggregation of stored data or a record of charges to a debit account. It can also be a type of computer memory. Registers are used in accounting, computing, and legal documentation, ensuring accuracy, transparency and accountability in business operations.
The term ‘register’ can also be applied to the way people use language based on their social environment and situation. This is known as stylistic variation and is studied by linguists. For example, you might speak differently to a friend than you would at a job interview or dinner party. This is because you use different linguistic registers, or styles of language depending on who you are talking to and the context.
Register can also refer to the formality of language, or the level of politeness with which you address someone. For instance, you might use a more formal register when writing to a headteacher or employer than when talking to your neighbour. This is because the formal register is associated with standardised versions of English and used in situations where you need to convey respect or authority, such as letters of complaint or official speeches.
In computing, a register is a small, fast storage location inside a CPU that temporarily holds data and instructions during processing. These registers are essential to performing arithmetic and logic operations on data and reduce the need for processors to access main memory frequently, which increases efficiency.
Embedded systems, which are self-contained computer systems in devices such as cars and household appliances, typically have registers. This is because these small computer systems have limited resources and need to process data quickly. The registers in embedded systems are often designed to consume minimal power, which helps to keep the overall energy consumption low.
The registers in embedded systems can be divided into general-purpose and program counter registers. The program counter register keeps track of the next instruction to be fetched and executed from memory and is updated as the CU executes each instruction. The general-purpose registers store operands and memory addresses facilitating arithmetic and logic operations. Registers are accessed by the CU and the ALU to perform calculations, which are then stored back into the registers based on the control signals issued by the CU.
A register can also be a document that lists all registered shareholders in a company and their shareholdings. This register is important for a company as it helps to ensure transparency in shareholder transactions and voting rights at shareholder meetings. It can also be used by regulatory authorities to identify potential fraud and money laundering activities. In the United States, a mortgage register or deeds register is a public record that documents ownership of real estate property. A similar document, the loan register, is used by financial institutions to document loans and track their maturity dates. These records are maintained on a county, town, or state level.