Dive into Systems is a vivid introduction to computer organization, architecture, and operating systems that is already being used as a classroom textbook at more than 25 universities.
This textbook is a crash course in the major hardware and software components of a modern computer system. Designed for use in a wide range of introductory-level computer science classes, it guides readers through the vertical slice of a computer so they can develop an understanding of the machine at various layers of abstraction.
Early chapters begin with the basics of the C programming language often used in systems programming. Other topics explore the architecture of modern computers, the inner workings of operating systems, and the assembly languages that translate human-readable instructions into a binary representation that the computer understands. Later chapters explain how to optimize code for various architectures, how to implement parallel computing with shared memory, and how memory management works in multi-core CPUs. Accessible and easy to follow, the book uses images and hands-on exercise to break down complicated topics, including code examples that can be modified and executed.
"I’ve read a lot of books on computers in my time—some focused on the hardware and others centered on programming—but I’ve never seen one quite like Dive into Systems. On the one hand, this is a fantastic introduction to C programming for those who already know Python; on the other hand, it dives into the depths of the underlying hardware architecture. And then, after popping up to take a deep breath, there’s another deep dive into the world of assembly language. Suffice it to say that I’ll certainly be recommending this little beauty to my Python-obsessed friends."
—Clive “Max” Maxfield, author of Bebop to the Boolean Boogie and How Computers Do Math
"Dive into Systems does a great job of introducing hardware architecture, including the language that is often used to communicate with it - the C programming language. C programming concepts were explained by contrasting it with Python concepts and examples, so any experienced Python user will feel right at home with the explanations."
—Emily Liu, Security Consultant and Advanced Reviewer
"Dive into Systems takes interested developers on tour through computer architecture from the C programming language perspective. The authors take great care to explain critical computer systems concepts with many well-illustrated examples. Each chapter builds on the previous content, providing a rich history and a meticulously constructed dive into computer architecture."
—George D., Advanced Reviewer
"This is an outstanding book for those teaching an Introduction to Systems Programming class with only a CS 1 prerequisite! The book fills a void, allowing instructors to use one book for C programming, computer organization, assembly language, and systems programming topics instead of needing multiple books for their courses."
—David Toth, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Chair of Computer Science Program at Centre College
"By introducing students to low-level programming gently through C programming, Matthews, Newhall and Webb have managed to make the fundamental concepts of assembly language approachable and comprehensible. The genius of the book is that it begins the journey at the point that students understand—high level programming—and slowly peel back the abstractions to reveal the reality underneath all computer programs. My students have never understood memory, the fetch-decode-execute cycle and assembly programming in general like they have with this approach. Dive Into Systems brings the revolution in teaching low-level computer concepts . . . to the masses."
—John Barr, Computer Science Professor, Ithaca College
