fetch

1) Fetch is the first of two stages involved in computer processing. The processor operates by processing instructions in what is called the "fetch/execute cycle." The processor fetches (reads from memory) an instruction and then, depending on the instruction, executes it (takes some further action with it, such as shifting bits to the right or left). Then it fetches the next instruction, and so forth.

A register in the processor called the program counter holds information about where the processor is in the particular program being processed and the address (location) of the next instruction to be executed. At the beginning of the cycle, the program counter tells the processor which instruction to fetch; during the cycle, the instruction is executed and the information is updated to refer to the next instruction to be fetched.

In some newer processor designs, more than one instruction can be fetched at the same time and execution is done in parallel.

2) Fetch is a command used in embedded Structured Query Language (SQL) to retrieve rows sequentially. In SQL, a cursor is a pointer to a selected row in a collection retrieved by a SQL statement. The cursor advances through the rows, one at a time, to allow sequential processing of records. The fetch command retrieves the selected row from the cursor. The steps involved in using the fetch command are: Declare cursor, Open cursor, Fetch row (separate fetches may be executed for multiple rows) and Close cursor.

3) Fetch is a Macintosh program for transferring files between any networked Macintosh computers using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Its features include support of multiple connections, the capacity to restart interrupted transfers, and drag-and-drop functionality for transferring, bookmarking, and preference setting.

Learn more about SQL/Transact SQL (T-SQL)

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know. Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

More resources from around the web: - David Eck at Hobart and William Smith Colleges provides a more in-depth exploration of computer processing basics, including the fetch/execute cycle in The Fetch and Execute Cycle: Machine Language . - The Computer Science Department at the University of Regina provides more information on how to use the fetch command in the tutorial Embedded SQL . - The online version of Fetch Help provides a comprehensive resource for learning more about Macintosh Fetch, including a tutorial and a reference section.

FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST File Extension and File Format List: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

RELATED CONTENT SQL language crash course (just enough to be dangerous) You can't get far in the SQL Server world if you don't speak the language. Check out the basics of SQL language with examples of common SQL Server... Working with IntelliSense in SQL Server 2008 Management Studio IntelliSense in SQL Server 2008 Management Studio provides easy access to language elements when writing T-SQL queries. Knowing the basics can... SQL Server Mailbag: Stored procedures, triggers and SSRS reports In this edition of the SQL Server mailbag, expert Denny Cherry tackles reader questions on creating stored procedures, editing data in SQL Server...

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary ACID  (SearchSQLServer.com) Collaboration Data Objects  (SearchSQLServer.com)