Author: Charles Petzold
Average Rating:
Last Reviewed On: December 16, 1999 (by Scott)
Scott's Review:
on December 16, 1999When I think of Charles Petzold I immediately think of "Programming Windows". So, when a friend handed me this book, I was expecting a programmer's reference of some sort. I couldn't have been farther off. "Code" begins by explaining some of the original systems of coding signals, specifically, Morse and Braille. From there, it starts showing you how to build a computer out of telegraph relays, all along the way explaining problems that come up creating a computer and how to solve them. Throughout much of the book, I felt like I was watching an episode of the British show "Connections", which made it all the more enjoyable. It weaves computers and technology with the thoughts and history that helped to build them.
As the book progresses, the computer being built out of telegraph relays becomes more and more complex, with systems being replaced by more and more modern components. It serves as an excellent way to teach how computers work, on both a very high and low level. He delves into assembly language, and finishes of with higher level languages.
I've been a computer geek for many years, and make my living as a programmer, but I still found this book to be fascinating. It covered several topics I didn't fully understand, and explained it with elegance. This book seems geared for computer novices and gurus alike, with something to offer both crowds.
-- Scott and Michelle