Stepping

Stepping is a number used by Intel to identify what level of design change a microprocessor was built to. Typically, the first version of a microprocessor comes out with a stepping of A0. As design improvements occur, later versions are identified by a change in the number (for example, A3) for minor design changes and by a change to the letter and number for more extensive design changes (for example, B2). Stepping allows the consumer and servicers to identify a microprocessor's version.

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In computer science, stepping can also refer to a now obsolete method of debugging code by stopping the processor clock and manually advancing it one cycle at a time. For this to be possible, three things are required:

• A control that allows the clock to be stopped.
• A second control that allows the stopped clock to be manually advanced.
• Some means of recording the state of the processor after each cycle.

On some IBM System 360 processors, these facilities were provided by front panel switches and banks of neon lights. Other systems such as the PDP-11 provided similar facilities, again on some models. The precise configuration was also model dependent.

It would not be easy to provide such facilities on LSI processors such as the Intel *86 and Pentium lines, owing to cooling considerations.

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Stepping can also be the name for a process of locomotion- either forward or backward movement engaged in by bipedal (i.e. humans, chickens) and quadripedal (rats, deer) and multi-pedal (i.e. insects) organisms consisting of putting the left foot forward, following with the right foot, and repeating. Monopedal organisms often experience difficulty with the stepping procedure.

In general, for bipedal organisms like humans, stepping is done as follows:

1. Extend one foot forward (hereafter known as the primary foot). In the military, the left foot is often used to start off.
2. Plant aforemtioned primary foot down as you shift your weight forward. As you do so begin to lift the heel of your other foot (hereafter known as the secondary foot) up.
3. Raise up your secondary foot from the ground (or whatever you happen to be walking on) and bring it forward, then extend it out and repeat.

There are of course other methods of stepping. Many people use their secondary foot's toes to push off the ground (this method of stepping is called jogging or, if there are periods of time when both feet are off of the ground, running).

The walking step is a rolling motion.

• Strike the ground first with your heel, your ankle flexed.
• Roll through the step from heel to toe.
• Push off with your toe.
• Bring the back leg forward to strike again with the heel.
• Flexible shoes will ensure you are able to roll through the step.
• If your feet are slapping down rather than rolling through, your shoes are likely too stiff.
• At first, your shin muscles (anterior tibialis) may tire and be sore until they are strengthened.
• If you are really striking with the heel, someone watching you from in front will see the sole of your shoe on each step. Think about showing them your sole.
• On your forward foot, let the ankle do the work of flexing your foot, don't lift your foot with your toes.
• A good push off by your toes on your rear leg will add power and speed to your step.
• Strike with heel. Back foot rolls through to push off.
• Front foot continues to roll through step as back foot comes forward. Front foot strikes with heel and the process repeats.

(About.com)

See Also

• Walking
• The Ministry of Silly Walks
• Stepping Out- a 1984 musical comedy that explores lives of a group of women (and one man) attending a weekly tap-dance class in a North London church hall.