In mathematics, an operand is one of the inputs of an operator. For instance, in
- 3 + 6 = 9
'+' is the operator and '3' and '6' are the operands.
The number of operands of an operator is called its arity. Based on arity, operations are classified as unary, binary etc.
In computing, an assembly language operand is a value on which the instruction, named by mnemonic, operates. The operand may be a processor register, a memory address, a literal constant, or a label. A simple example (PC architecture) is
- MOV DS, AX
where the value in register operand 'AX' is to be moved into register 'DS'. Depending on the computer, there may be one, two, or more operands.
