Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Sequential computing refers to the traditional method of executing instructions in a computer program one after another, in a sequential order. It follows a linear path where each instruction is completed before moving on to the next.
Related terms
Parallel Computing: Parallel computing involves breaking down tasks into smaller subtasks that can be executed simultaneously by multiple processors or cores for faster processing.
Multithreading: Multithreading allows multiple threads within a single process to execute concurrently, enabling better utilization of resources and improved performance.
Instruction Pipelining: Instruction pipelining is a technique that allows overlapping execution of multiple instructions at different stages of processing, improving overall efficiency and speed.