A book called 'The Elements of Computing Systems' [1] describes the
construction of a very simple computing system including its hardware
and software.
You start with a NAND gate and while gradually working through the
chapters you implement memory, a CPU and later on an assembler,
compiler, VM and a very basic shell.
All this is implemented in an emulator that is provided on the book's
website [2].
I was wondering if there are people (who are familiar with the
FONC/STEPS project) that know this book, and what their ideas are on
where the implementation strategy taken in this book would differ from
the implementation (of a VERY basic) STEPS like system.
I'd imagine the hardware implementation would not differ very much, but
that the software would take an entirely different route early on
(probably focusing on an OMeta like implementation as early as possible).
Any opinions on this would be greatly appreciated. I am quite curious if
a STEPS like strategy would be more efficient, easier or more succinct.
--Erik
[1]
http://www.amazon.com/Elements-Computing-Systems-Building-Principles/dp/026214087X
[2] http://www1.idc.ac.il/tecs/
P.S.: There is also a video that demonstrates some aspects of TECS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtXvUoPx4Qs
P.S.2: You can find some sample chapters from the book here:
http://www1.idc.ac.il/tecs/plan.html
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