A '''task''' is "an execution path through [[address space"]].<ref>[[Data General]], ''[[RDOS]] Reference Manual''</ref> In other words, a set of [[Computer program|program]] [[instruction (computer science)|instruction]]s that are loaded in [[computer storage|memory]]. The [[address register]]s have been loaded with the initial address of the program. At the next [[clock cycle]], the [[Central processing unit|CPU]] will start execution, in accord with the program. The sense is that some part of 'a plan is being accomplished'. As long as the program remains in this part of the address space, the task can continue, in principle, indefinitely, unless the program instructions contain a <tt>[[halt]]</tt>, <tt>[[exit (operating system)|exit]]</tt>, or <tt>[[return (instruction)|return]]</tt>.
*In the computer field, "task" has the sense of a [[real-time computing|real-time]] application, as distinguished from '''[[process (computing)|process]]''', which takes up space (memory), and execution time. See [[operating system]].
