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

Technical requirements

You can find the programs used in this chapter on GitHub at https://github.com/PacktPublishing/Practical-Computer-Architecture-with-Python-and-ARM/tree/main/Chapter02.

The requirements to write a program in Python and run it are minimal. Python is an open source language and is freely available for the PC, Mac, and Linux platforms. All the information you need to set up a Python environment on your computer system can be found on the home page at https://www.python.org.

Remarkably, you do not need any other software to construct a computer simulator in Python. The Python package comes with Python’s Integrated Learning and Development Environment (IDLE) that lets you edit a Python program, save it, run it, and debug it.

There are alternatives to IDLE that let you create Python source files supported by Python platforms. These alternatives are generally more sophisticated and targeted at the professional developer. For the purposes of this chapter...