Intro to Computer Architecture & Assembly Language

Name: Intro to Computer Architecture & Assembly Language

Category: Education, Technology, Community Learning

Type: Study Jam

Summary - oneliner: A hands-on study jam where students explore how computers work at the lowest level by learning assembly language and basic computer architecture.

Purpose: To provide students with foundational knowledge of how computers execute instructions at the hardware level, develop an appreciation for low-level programming, and build a peer-learning community around systems thinking and computer internals.

Core Concepts Coverage:

• Basics of Computer Architecture (CPU, RAM, Registers)

• Number Systems (Binary, Hexadecimal)

• Assembly Language Syntax and Semantics

• Registers, Memory Access, and Stack Operations

• Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)

• Arithmetic and Logic Operations

• Branching and Control Flow

• Writing and Debugging Simple Programs

• System Calls and I/O Operations

• Connecting Assembly to High-Level Language Concepts

How:

1. Program Registration via Hub App (minimum 10 students)

2. Weekly Study Sessions:

   • Session 1: Concept deep dive (architecture + syntax)

   • Session 2: Guided coding (NASM/MASM or online simulator)

   • Session 3: Hands-on project or peer debug session

3. Use online simulators (e.g., emu8086, PCSPIM, or OnlineGDB Assembly)

4. Offline meetups to walk through architecture diagrams and code execution

5. Peer group code review and low-level debugging exercises

Expected outcome:

• Understanding of how code interacts with hardware

• Practical exposure to Assembly syntax and structure

• Foundational systems knowledge for future OS/compilers courses

• Enhanced debugging and logical reasoning skills

• Peer group support and collaborative problem-solving habits

How to measure impact:

• Weekly project/code review sessions

• Progress tracking via practice exercises and mini-projects

• Participant engagement in discussion and code walkthroughs

• Final mini-project demonstrating understanding (e.g., a calculator in assembly)

• Self and peer assessments

Pre-event checklist:

• Register program on the Hub App

• Choose the assembly language variant (e.g., x86 NASM or MIPS)

• Prepare starter guides and tool/simulator links

• Share a list of required software/simulators

• Design a 4–6 week curriculum outline

• Onboard group coordinators and mentors

Post-event checklist:

• Collect feedback via Hub App or feedback forms

• Celebrate and share notable projects/demos

• Connect participants with further systems/OS learning tracks

• Publish a “Beginner’s Journey to Assembly” guide

• Recommend open-source contribution opportunities in low-level systems

• Plan continuation into compilers/OS/build-your-own-CPU learning paths

Curated by: Foundation

Ideal audience: Students curious about how computers really work, interested in low-level programming or systems thinking. No prior assembly experience required, but basic programming knowledge is helpful.

Resource Links:

• PCSPIM Simulator for MIPS

• Emu8086 (x86 Simulator)

• OnlineGDB Assembly Editor

• x86 Assembly Guide - Wikibooks

• MIPS Assembly Programming - Carnegie Mellon