A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the main component of a computer that performs the instructions given by programs. It is often called the computer’s processor or main processor. The CPU’s electronic circuits handle tasks such as:

Arithmetic operations — calculations like addition, subtraction, and other mathematical tasks.
Logic operations — making decisions based on comparisons (for example, checking whether one value is greater than another).
Control operations — managing and coordinating the activities of other computer components.
Input/output (I/O) operations — handling communication between the computer and external devices.

The CPU works together with other parts of a computer, such as main memory (RAM) and input/output hardware. It is different from specialized processors like graphics processing units (GPUs), which are designed mainly for tasks such as rendering images and accelerating parallel computations. In short, the CPU is the general-purpose “brain” of a computer that runs programs and coordinates system operations.