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

Building a simple computer interpreter in Python

We can take the concept of a simulator a step further and execute a program with multiple instructions using the concepts we just developed. Consecutive instructions are executed by reading them from program memory, one by one, and using a program counter to keep track of where we are in the program.

Please be aware of a possible source of confusion when we refer to a program. We are writing a program in the high-level language Python to simulate a computer. That simulated computer runs a program written in assembly language. Consequently, the term program can refer to two different entities. It should be clear from the context which one we are referring to.

Note that pseudocode is not a computer language, but a method of expressing a computer algorithm in almost plain English. So, a piece of pseudocode can represent either a high-level language such as Python or an assembly language.

In the following example, the source program...