Part 1: Using Python to Simulate a Computer

In this part, you will be introduced to two threads: the digital computer and the programming language Python. The purpose of this book is to explain how a computer works by constructing a computer in software. Because we assume that the reader will not have a knowledge of Python, we will provide an introduction to Python. However, we will cover only those topics relevant to building a computer simulator are explored. The topics of the structure and organization of a computer and Python programming are interleaved. Once we have introduced theTC1 (Teaching Computer 1) simulator, the two final chapters will first explore ways of enhancing the simulator's functionality, and then look at simulators for alternative architectures.

This section comprises the following chapters:

• Chapter 1, From Finite State Machines to Computers
• Chapter 2, High-Speed Introduction to Python
• Chapter 3, Data Flow in a Computer 
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