Repeat instruction

In computer instruction set architectures (ISA), a repeat instruction is a machine language instruction which repeatedly executes another instruction.

Since it is an instruction that operates on other instructions like the execute instruction, it has also been classified as a meta-instruction.^[1]

Computer models

One computer family supporting a repeat instruction was the the GE-600/Honeywell 6000, which supported both a single-instruction repeat (op code mnemonic: RPT) and a double-instruction repeat (RPTD).^[2]

Semantics

The instruction to be executed follows the repeat instruction. Fields in the instruction determine the loop termination condition.

Notes

^ Rossman, George E. (December 1975). "A Course of Study in Computer Hardware Architecture". IEEE Computer. 8 (12): 44–63. doi:10.1109/C-M.1975.218835., p. 50
^ GE-635 System Manual (PDF). General Electric Computer Department. July 1964. p. A-5.

[1] Rossman, George E. (December 1975). "A Course of Study in Computer Hardware Architecture". IEEE Computer. 8 (12): 44–63. doi:10.1109/C-M.1975.218835., p. 50

[GE635-2] GE-635 System Manual (PDF). General Electric Computer Department. July 1964. p. A-5.

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