Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/build-a-computer
Have you ever wondered how a computer actually works, beyond the layers of software and operating systems? The Coursera course ‘Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris’ offers a unique and incredibly rewarding journey into the very heart of computer architecture. This project-centered course takes you from the absolute basics of logic gates to constructing a fully functional general-purpose computer, all built from the ground up.
The course is structured into six distinct projects, each building upon the last. It begins with the fundamental concepts of Boolean algebra and logic gates. You’ll learn to specify these gates using a Hardware Description Language (HDL) and simulate their behavior, culminating in building 15 elementary logic gates for Project 1. This foundational knowledge is crucial as these gates become the building blocks for more complex components.
Moving on, you’ll delve into Boolean arithmetic and construct an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) – the ‘calculating brain’ of the computer. This involves understanding binary arithmetic and then assembling adders and the ALU itself. Following this, the course tackles memory, guiding you through the creation of Random Access Memory (RAM) from basic flip-flops to multi-bit registers, introducing the concept of sequential logic.
A fascinating part of the course is the exploration of machine language. You’ll learn how to design a computer’s instruction set and even write low-level programs for the ‘Hack’ computer, using a supplied emulator to test your code. This provides a tangible understanding of how software interacts with hardware at the most fundamental level.
Finally, the course culminates in assembling all these components – the ALU, RAM, and a custom-built Central Processing Unit (CPU) – into the complete ‘Hack’ computer. The final project involves building an assembler, a program that translates human-readable assembly language into the binary code the computer understands. You have the flexibility to implement this assembler in a high-level language or even simulate it manually.
What makes ‘Nand to Tetris’ so exceptional is its hands-on, bottom-up approach. You’re not just learning theory; you’re actively building. The satisfaction of seeing your own creation come to life, piece by piece, is immense. The course materials are self-contained, meaning you don’t need prior specialized knowledge, just a willingness to learn and experiment.
Whether you’re a budding computer scientist, an aspiring hardware engineer, or simply someone curious about the inner workings of the machines we use every day, this course is highly recommended. It provides an unparalleled understanding of computer architecture and design that is both practical and intellectually stimulating. Prepare to be challenged, enlightened, and immensely proud of what you can build.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/build-a-computer