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== Classification ==
A scalar processor is classified as a single instruction, single data ([[Single instruction, single data|SISD]]) processor in [[Flynn's taxonomy]]. The [[i486|Intel 486]] is an example of a scalar processor. It is to be contrasted with a [[vector processor]] where a single instruction operates simultaneously on multiple data items (and thus is referred to as a single instruction, multiple data ([[Single instruction, multiple data|SIMD]]) processor).<ref name="Patterson 2012 p. 650">{{cite book | last=Patterson | first=David | title=Computer organization and design: the hardware/software interface | publisher=Morgan Kaufmann | publication-place=Waltham, MA | year=2012 | isbn=978-0-12-374750-1 | oclc=746618653 | page=650}}</ref> The difference is analogous to the difference between [[scalar (mathematics)|scalar]] and [[Vector (geometric)|vector]] arithmetic.
The term ''scalar'' in computing dates to the 1970 and 1980s when vector processors were first introduced. It was originally used to distinguish the older designs from the new vector processors.
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