What are branch prediction algorithms?

What are branch prediction algorithms?

Branch prediction algorithms are techniques used in computer architecture to improve the flow of instruction execution by guessing the outcome of conditional operations.

How do they improve performance?

They reduce the number of pipeline stalls in CPUs by predicting which way a branch will go, allowing for more efficient instruction processing.

What are some common types of branch prediction algorithms?

Common types include static prediction, dynamic prediction, and tournament predictors, each using different strategies to make predictions.

Can you explain dynamic branch prediction?

Dynamic branch prediction uses historical information to make predictions, adapting to the program's behavior over time.

What happens if the prediction is wrong?

If the prediction is wrong, the CPU must flush the incorrect instructions from the pipeline, which can lead to performance penalties.