The key element of a microcomputer is the LSI microprocessor chip, whose circuitry can acquire, interpret, and execute a sequence of logical and arithmetic instructions. Although most computer programming is done in a high level language, the processor itself deals only with binary numbers that represent operation codes (move data, add, subtract, compare, jump, etc.) and addresses (routing information for the data flow) of registers, memory locations or input/output data ports.
Beside the microprocessor, a complete computer requires a power supply, memory, interface circuits to provide ports to external devices, and input/output devices such as a keyboard, display, DACs and ADCs, and magnetic or other (optical) data storage.