What characterizes Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) architecture?

The characteristic of Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) architecture is that it is designed with a reduced set of the most frequently used instructions. This design philosophy emphasizes simplicity in the instruction set, allowing for faster execution of operations. By limiting the number of instructions, RISC can optimize the performance of the processor by streamlining the instruction pipeline, enabling the CPU to execute instructions more efficiently.

This contrasts with Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) architectures, which have a larger set of instructions, including many that may be rarely used. RISC architectures facilitate better performance through simplicity, making it easier for compilers to generate efficient machine code.

The design choice to focus on a reduced set means that while RISC processors may require more instructions to accomplish complex tasks, the efficiency of their execution often leads to superior overall performance in many applications.