Book Image

Computer Architecture with Python and ARM

By : Alan Clements
Book Image

Computer Architecture with Python and ARM

By: Alan Clements

Overview of this book

This comprehensive guide offers a unique and immersive learning experience by combining Python programming with ARM architecture. Starting with an introduction to computer architecture and the flow of data within a computer system, you’ll progress to building your own interpreter using Python. You’ll see how this foundation enables the simulation of computer operations and learn ways to enhance a simulator by adding new instructions and displaying improved results. As you advance, you’ll explore the TC1 Assembler and Simulator Program to gain insights into instruction analysis and explore practical examples of simulators. This will help you build essential skills in understanding complex computer instructions, strengthening your grasp of computer architecture. Moreover, you’ll be introduced to the Raspberry Pi operating system, preparing you to delve into the detailed language of the ARM computer. This includes exploring the ARM instruction set architecture, data-processing instructions, subroutines, and the stack. With clear explanations, practical examples, and coding exercises, this resource will enable you to design and construct your own computer simulator, simulate assembly language programs, and leverage the Raspberry Pi for ARM programming.
Table of Contents (18 chapters)
1
Part 1: Using Python to Simulate a Computer
Free Chapter
2
Chapter 1: From Finite State Machines to Computers
10
Part 2: Using Raspberry Pi to Study a Real Computer Architecture

Basics of the Raspberry Pi operating system

In this section, you will learn how to use the Raspberry Pi to create an ARM assembly language program, assemble it into code that can be executed, and then run it on the Raspberry Pi. In the next chapter, we will look at the ARM architecture in greater depth.

We do not devote much time discussing RPi’s operating system because the world is full of websites devoted to Linux. We will cover the absolute minimum to help you use some of the commands that may be helpful. Most readers will use a graphical interface to perform editing, web searches, and running programs such as Python. We will introduce the basic concepts of Linux’s filing system and the command-line instruction necessary to assemble and run a source file written in the ARM assembly language. Unfortunately, the names of Unix/Linux commands are not intuitive.

Figure 9.4 illustrates the basic concepts of the Linux hierarchical operating system, with a node at each...