Why is branch prediction important?

Why is branch prediction important in modern processors?

Branch prediction is crucial because it helps improve the flow of instruction execution, reducing delays.

How does branch prediction actually work?

It works by guessing the direction of a branch instruction to pre-fetch instructions, minimizing stalls.

What happens if the prediction is wrong?

If the prediction is wrong, the processor has to discard the pre-fetched instructions, causing a performance hit.

Are there different types of branch predictors?

Yes, there are static and dynamic branch predictors, each using different strategies to make predictions.

Can branch prediction be improved?

Yes, researchers are constantly developing more sophisticated algorithms to enhance prediction accuracy.