Our goal in writing this book is to expose the inner workings of the modern
digital computer at a level that demystifies what goes on inside the machine.
The only prerequisite to Principles of Computer Architecture is a working
knowledge of a high-level programming language. The breadth of material has
been chosen to cover topics normally found in a first course in computer
architecture or computer organization. The breadth and depth of coverage
have been steered to also place the beginning student on a solid track for continuing
studies in computer related disciplines.
In creating a computer architecture textbook, the technical issues fall into
place fairly naturally, and it is the organizational issues that bring important
features to fruition. Some of the features that received the greatest attention in
Principles of Computer Architecture include the choice of the instruction set
architecture (ISA), the use of case studies, and a voluminous use of examples
and exercises.