Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software

Timeless and accessible, Code can show anyone how computers really work. You'll gain a depth of understanding rivaling that of electrical engineers, as you come to recognize the beauty and elegance that made the computer one of the past century's greatest human achievements. Charles Petzold has fully updated his classic guide to reflect dramatic changes to the experience of computing, modernize cultural and technology references throughout, add even more powerfully intuitive 2-color line drawings, and present five new chapters.

Code, Second Edition first establishes what numeric codes are, and then walks you one "baby step" at a time through the basic theoretical and applied concepts required to construct a simple computer. For more effective learning, Petzold describes rudimentary digital technology, while also revealing how today's world of media and connectivity was built through the pervasive use of numeric codes.