Abstract:

The talk describes a new course in which we construct a complete
computer system, called Hack, in one semester.  Following a review of
key topics in Boolean algebra and gate logic, we build some thirty
combinational and sequential chips, which set the stage for the
construction of Hack's ALU, CPU, and memory systems. The hardware is
built using a simple Hardware Description Language and a hardware
simulator, developed for this course. We then test the entire machine by
running some programs on it, written in Hack's assembly and machine
languages. The students write the necessary assembler.

Next, the students build a virtual machine called Vack, and write an
interpreter that translates Vack code into Hack's machine language. We
then introduce a Java-like language, called Jack, and the students write
a compiler from Jack to Vack. This completes the design of the computer.
Using Jack, the students write a simple operating system for the
computer, and a sample application like a text-editor or a tetris game.

Our objective in this course is to give the students a realistic picture
of the hardware-software interface, and to have them get their hands
dirty and build a complete computer from scratch.

Joint work with Noam Nisan.