The PIPPIN machine: simulations of language processing

Abstract only This article describes two simulations which, together, are intended to help students make the leap from writing programs in a simple high-level language to understanding how such programs come to be translated and executed on a simple computer. The first program simulates the compilation of an assignment statement from a typical programming language into a mock assembly language. The second program simulates the fetch-execute cycle on a computer built expressly to process that same assembly language. We describe the design and use of each simulator, and conclude with anecdotes about our experiences using these tools in class.