What is the term used for the process of reading instructions and data into a computer?

The process of reading instructions and data into a computer is termed "loading." This refers to transferring data from a storage medium (like a hard drive or memory device) into the computer's memory where it can be accessed and utilized by the CPU for execution. Loading is a crucial initial step in the execution of programs, as it prepares the data and instructions necessary for the computer to perform tasks.

When data or software is loaded into memory, it allows the processor to access it quickly and efficiently, which is vital for the performance of applications and overall system functionality. In the context of computer systems, loading happens before any actual processing can take place, making this term fundamental to understanding how computers operate.

The other terms, such as parsing, execution, and storing, have specific meanings related to data processing. Parsing refers to analyzing and breaking down data for interpretation; execution is the act of carrying out the instructions once they have been loaded and read; and storing is the process of saving data for future use. Each of these concepts is important, but they describe different facets of working with data in a computing environment.