ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Tick–tock model

The “tick-tock” model refers to the way in which a computer’s CPU (Central Processing Unit) works. The CPU is the “brain” of your computer that helps it to function properly.

Imagine a race between two people. One of them is responsible for doing something really important, like solving a tricky puzzle, while the other person is just watching them closely, waiting for their turn. The first person is like the “tick” and the second person is like the “tock”.

In the tick-tock model, the first person (the “tick”) does all the important work during one clock cycle, while the second person (the “tock”) gets the CPU ready for the next cycle. So while the tick is working, the tock is setting up the CPU for the next task.

Think of it like a dance where one partner leads (the tick) and the other follows (the tock). They take turns leading and following to make sure the dance goes smoothly.

So in a nutshell, in the tick-tock model, the CPU takes turns between performing tasks (the tick) and preparing for the next task (the tock) in a regular and orderly fashion.