How does a RISC processor differ from a CISC processor? Is one processor type better than the other? ...

RISC processorsuse fixed-length instructions. Some, but not all, CISC processors use variable-length instructions. A RISC processor has few, if any, instructions that combine multiple operations. In particular, instructions combining memory access with a computation or comparison operation aren't typically implemented. A CISC processor generally makes extensive use of these instructions. Because of these differences, a RISC processor typically operates at a higher clock rate than a CISC processor of similar capability.Which type is better depends on their implementation specifics (especially clock rate) and the type of instructions being executed.