Nand2Tetris: Build a Computer from First Principles

Have you ever wondered what truly happens inside your computer when you click a mouse or type on a keyboard? This course reveals the intricate journey from raw electrical signals to complex software applications. By engaging with this material, you will not only grasp the theoretical underpinnings of computing but also gain practical insight by constructing a complete, working computer system from its most basic components. This profound understanding will empower you to approach any computing challenge with confidence and clarity. What you'll learn: Understand the foundational concepts of digital logic, Boolean algebra, and elementary gates. Design and implement essential hardware components, including a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and memory. Construct a complete computer architecture, defining its instruction set and machine language. Develop an assembler, a virtual machine, and a basic operating system from first principles. Implement a compiler for a high-level programming language and build a simple application or game. Apply these fundamental principles to appreciate the design of modern computer systems and software. The course guides you through a progressive journey, starting with the design of elementary logic gates and systematically building up to a full computer system. You will explore each layer of abstraction, from hardware to system software, understanding how they fit together to create a functional machine. This course is specifically designed for beginners with no prior experience in computer architecture, hardware design, or low-level programming. Begin your deep dive into the fascinating world of computer system design today.