Difference Between Register and Memory

Registers and memory are essential for the operation of a computer, each having its own advantages.
Registers offer the CPU quick access to data it must process, thus ensuring fast operation. Memory, on the other hand,
provides storage space needed for large amounts of data and instructions during program execution.
Although registers are small and quick for working with data, memory is bigger but slower and equally necessary for handling heavy-duty tasks.
A clear distinction between the two makes it easier to grasp the way in which a computer manages information effectively.

What is Register?

Registers are the smallest data-holding elements that are built into the processor itself.

These are the memory locations that are directly accessible by the processor.

It may hold an instruction, a storage address, or any data such as a bit sequence or individual characters.

For example, an instruction may specify that the contents of two defined registers be multiplied together and then placed in a specific register.

Example: Accumulator register, Program counter, Instruction register, Address register, etc.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Registers

Advantages:

Speed: Registers are the fastest type of storage, providing instant access to data.
Efficiency: They allow the CPU to execute instructions faster by storing immediate data.
Proximity: Since they are placed within the CPU, they require less time to get data.

Disadvantages:

Storage Capacity:Registers have limited storage capacity.
Manufacture Cost: They are costly to manufacture due to their speed and integration into the CPU.
Volatility: Data in registers is lost when the machine is turned off.

What is Memory ?

Memory is a hardware device used to store computer programs, instructions and data. The memory that is internal to the processor is a primary memory (RAM), and the memory that is external to the processor is a secondary memory (Hard Drive).

Memory can also be categorized on the basis of volatile and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory is memory that loses its contents when the computer or hardware device loses power. RAM(Random Access Memory) is an example of volatile memory. Non-volatile memory is the memory that keeps its contents even if power gets lost. EPROM is an example of non-volatile memory.

Example : RAM , EPROM etc.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Memory

Advantages:

Storage Capacity: Memory (RAM) provides large storage space for data and instructions.
Flexibility: It can hold any form of data that the CPU requires during execution.
Cost-Effective: Memory(RAM) is more cost-effective than registers since it has a bigger capacity and costs less per bit.

Disadvantages:

Speed:Memory is slower than registers, therefore data retrieval takes longer.
Volatility: RAM, like registers, is volatile, meaning it loses data when the machine is turned off.
Latency: Accessing data from memory takes longer, potentially slowing down operations.