next-instructionpointer
nounUK /nɛkst ɪnˈstrʌkʃən ˈpɔɪntə/
US /nɛkst ɪnˈstrʌkʃən ˈpɔɪntər/
A next-instruction pointer is a little marker that shows the computer which step to do next.
When the program paused, the next-instruction pointer still pointed at the line waiting to run.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A saved value that tells a debugger where execution will resume after a breakpoint.
The debugger read the next-instruction pointer to show the upcoming line.
3. A hardware register holding the address of the following machine instruction.
On reset, the next-instruction pointer loaded the boot address.
4. A conceptual marker in a flowchart showing the step to perform next.
The teacher moved the next-instruction pointer down the flowchart after each answer.