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Question

How does the processor predict the outcome of a conditional branch?

a.

By waiting for information on the branch's outcome before fetching the next instruction

b.

By assuming that backward branches are always taken and forward branches are not taken

c.

By using a branch trace buffer to record the results of recent branch instructions

d.

By refilling the pipeline with instructions from the branch's target address

Posted under Reverse Engineering

Answer: (b).By assuming that backward branches are always taken and forward branches are not taken Explanation:The general prediction strategy is to assume that backward branches are always taken and forward branches are not taken, and that IA-32 processors use a branch trace buffer to record the results of recent branch instructions.

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Q. How does the processor predict the outcome of a conditional branch?