[lorenzq]

What does implementing the cpu with logic gates entail? Does the compiler run on top of that metal you build? I’ve been thinking about how best to start from the bottom and I was thinking of getting a cheap fpga to build a cpu and compiler on. How does this course compare?

[Chriky]

(everything is done in simulators, you don't physically build anything)

Basically you start with only NAND gates available. Using this you have to connect together inputs/outputs etc to make NOT, AND, OR, XOR gates. Then you use these to make gradually more complex chips, such as MUX, HALF-ADDER, ADDER. Then you make an APU etc, eventually making a CPU.

At each stage they tell you the design, but not the implementation.

The assembler targets the CPU you build. The compiler targets the assembly language etc.

You understand the whole stack, and it is a real computer, although simplified as much as possible.