Computer Architecture
Computer architecture defines how the various components of a computing system are organized, interconnected, and coordinated to execute programs and process data. While microprocessor architecture focuses on the internal design of the CPU, computer architecture takes a broader view, encompassing the entire system including memory hierarchies, bus structures, input/output systems, and the interfaces that bind these elements into a cohesive whole.
Understanding computer architecture is essential for anyone designing embedded systems, developing system software, or optimizing applications for specific hardware platforms. The architectural choices made at the system level profoundly impact performance, power consumption, cost, and scalability. From the classic Von Neumann architecture that established the foundation of stored-program computing to modern system-on-chip designs that integrate entire systems onto a single die, computer architecture continues to evolve in response to changing computational demands.