L1 cache

n. A zero wait state cache located onboard the microprocessor. See also cache memory, L2 cache.

L2 cache

n. A cache that requires a few wait states, located between the L1 cache and main memory (or L3 cache, if any). The sad fact is that processors are much faster than memory; main memory accesses in a PC require 50 to 100 wait states or more. Zero-wait cache is hugely expensive, so most desktop systems have a mix of L1, slower L2, and sometimes even slower L3 cache. See also cache memory, L1 cache.

LA

(as letters) abbr. See logic analyzer.

label

n. A human-readable alias for an address in memory. Labels are frequently used in assembly language programming, though they can also be used in higher level languages. For example, C supports direct branches to labels through its goto keyword.

In this code snippet, loop is a label. Note that the conditional branch on the second line refers to loop by name, not by the cryptic machine address of the prior instruction.

loop:  add  ax,  bx       jr   z,   loop

lamp

n. A device that illuminates. Sometimes broadly used to include semiconductors like LEDs, but more often it refers specifically to incandescent and fluorescent devices.

Schematic symbol of a lamp.

LAN

(like man) abbr. See local area network.

language

n. A way of expressing one s ideas in a way a computer can understand.