To get the most out of this book

This book is split into two parts. The first part develops a computer simulator in Python and the second part provides a brief introduction to Raspberry Pi and uses it as a vehicle to teach ARM assembly language programming.

I used a PC with Windows to develop the Python programs. The reader may use a Windows-based system, an Apple Mac, or any Linux-based computer to develop Python. All the necessary software is freely available.

You can, of course, use Raspberry Pi itself to develop Python.

In order to write ARM assembly language programs and debug them, you need a Raspberry Pi. This is a single-board computer and requires a power supply, keyboard, mouse, and monitor. I have used both the Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+ and Raspberry Pi 4 Model B versions.

The software required to develop Python programs is freely available from https://www.python.org. The Raspberry Pi single-board computer is not sold with an operating system. You must either buy an SD card with the operating system installed or download it yourself. Details are given at https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/getting-started.html.

If you are using the digital version of this book, we advise you to type the code yourself or access the code from the book’s GitHub repository (a link is available in the next section). Doing so will help you avoid any potential errors related to the copying and pasting of code.