Using a simple emulated computer to facilitate understanding in introductory computer programming and computer organization/architecture classes
Timothy Daryl Stanley, Dennis Fairclough, Roger deBry, Reza Kamali-Sarvestani · Journal of computing sciences in colleges · 2013
This paper describes a very simple, four instruction CPU, designed using digital logic simulation software, and used briefly in introductory C# programming classes to illustrate computer architecture concepts needed to appreciate the programming process. It is very helpful in emphasizing that computers use only binary data to operate. Our past introduction to programming used static PowerPoint slides to illustrate the execution of a simple machine language program. With this simple CPU, the concepts presented in the slides can be demonstrated with an active processor with all registers visible, and is simple enough to produce a machine language program on the fly during class. It also provides an excellent introduction to computer architecture before getting bogged down in the details of a more complex instruction sets and processors.