Instruction classification: AND, OR, and TEST are members of which instruction category in typical processor ISAs?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Bit manipulation

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Logical operations form a separate class from arithmetic in many instruction sets. They are essential for masking, flag testing, and condition formation. This question asks which category includes AND, OR, and TEST.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • AND and OR perform bitwise logic between operands.
  • TEST performs a bitwise AND without storing the result, updating flags for conditional decisions.
  • No addition or subtraction is implied.


Concept / Approach:
Because these operations change or evaluate bits directly, they are categorized under logical/bit manipulation instructions rather than arithmetic or control flow.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Recognize bitwise nature of AND/OR.Recall that TEST updates flags based on an AND operation.Match to the “bit manipulation / logical” class.Select “Bit manipulation.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Architecture manuals list AND/OR/TEST among logical/bit operations (often with XOR, NOT, shifts, and rotates).



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Data transfer: These do not move data between locations.Arithmetic: No numeric addition/subtraction/multiplication.Loops and jumps: Not altering control flow.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming TEST is arithmetic because it affects flags; it is still a bitwise logic evaluation.


Final Answer:
Bit manipulation

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