What is the first step in the Fetch-Execute Cycle?

The first step in the Fetch-Execute Cycle is fetching the instruction from memory. This is a crucial initial phase that sets the stage for the subsequent steps in the cycle. During this step, the CPU retrieves the next instruction to be executed from the memory, which is indicated by the Program Counter (PC). The instruction is then loaded into the instruction register so that it can be decoded and executed.

This step is essential because it ensures that the CPU has the correct instruction available before it can process or perform any operations. Without fetching the instruction first, the next phases—decoding and executing the instruction—cannot occur, making this the foundational step in understanding how the CPU operates.