Nand2Tetris is a substantial project-led course in which you construct hardware, an assembler, a virtual machine, a compiler and an operating-system layer. The official site supplies lectures, projects and purpose-built tools for self-learners and classrooms.
A complete route through the stack
The course is split into hardware and software projects that build on one another. You first make logic and processor components, then write the translation layers that allow higher-level programs to run on the machine you constructed.
Use the supplied tests
Each project includes a clear contract and tools for checking the result. The simulators let you concentrate on the concept being taught before worrying about physical electronics, while the test scripts make progress less dependent on subjective marking.
Treat it as a proper course
This is much deeper than an afternoon browser puzzle. Set aside regular sessions, keep notes on the interfaces between layers and resist copying completed implementations; the point is to feel why each abstraction is needed.
Things to know
- Completing the full sequence requires a serious time commitment.
- Some projects require downloading and learning the course toolchain.
- The optional book and certificate courses are not included with the free materials.