Which section of a basic gas turbine engine contains the engine inlet and compressor?

In a basic gas turbine engine, the cold section is where the engine inlet and compressor are located. This section is crucial as it is responsible for drawing in air, which is then compressed to increase its pressure before it enters the combustion chamber. The inlet plays a vital role in capturing incoming air efficiently, while the compressor, consisting of multiple stages of rotor and stator blades, significantly raises the pressure and temperature of the incoming air.

The hot section, in contrast, contains the combustion chamber and the turbine, where the fuel-air mixture burns and the high-temperature gases then expand to produce thrust. The exhaust section is where these gases exit the engine, contributing to thrust. The compressor section could be seen as part of the overall cold section but does not encompass the entire functionality of the engine inlet, making the broader term "cold section" the most appropriate choice in this context.