Fetch–Decode–Execute Cycle

During the execute stage, the CPU performs the operation specified by the instruction.

This might involve arithmetic calculations, logic operations, data movement, or other tasks defined by the opcode.

The CPU uses its ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) (including the various combinational circuits installed in the ALU) or other components to complete the task as required.

After the operation is done, any result produced may be stored in a register or in memory, depending on what the instruction indicated.

The CPU then starts a new fetch–decode–execute cycle when it begins to process the next instruction in the program.