VirtComp — A virtualized compiler for custom computer…

Pitch

Description

Comments

About this project

VirtComp delivers an immersive virtual computer simulation with a 32-bit CPU architecture, device-based I/O, and a visual debugger. Designed for educational purposes, it provides 100% test coverage, making it perfect for learning assembly programming and system design with confidence.

VirtComp is a powerful virtualized compiler designed to simulate a complete computer environment. It features a custom 32-bit CPU architecture alongside a robust device-based I/O system and an intuitive visual debugger. With 100% test coverage, including 53 unit tests and 39 integration tests, VirtComp stands out for its reliability and educational value in understanding computer architecture, assembly programming, and system design.

Key Features

Custom 32-bit CPU Architecture: Incorporates a full instruction set encompassing arithmetic, logic, memory, and I/O operations.
Device-Based I/O System: A flexible modular framework enabling support for console output, file access, serial ports, and more.
Visual Debugger: Offers an ImGui-based interface for real-time debugging and oversight of system processes.
Comprehensive Testing: Ensured reliability through extensive testing with 100% coverage.
Hex Programming Support: Allows for human-readable hex format with support for comments and documentation.
Extensible Architecture: Easily add new devices and expand functionalities.

Documentation

Explore the extensive documentation to get started and learn how to effectively utilize and extend VirtComp:

Example Usage

To run a hex program, utilize the command:

./bin/virtcomp -H tests/helloworld.hex

You can also compile a program using:

./bin/virtcomp -H tests/helloworld -o

Command Line Options

Some key command-line options include:

   --help           -h      Show help information
   --debug          -d      Enable debug mode
   --verbose        -v      Display informational messages
   --hex            -H      Specify the path to the hex file
   --test           -t      Run test suites
   --gui            -g      Activate the debug GUI
   --compile        -o      Compile the program into a standalone executable

Getting Started

To build VirtComp, simply clone the repository and use make commands:

make          # Build release version
make debug    # Build with debug symbols
make clean    # Clean build artifacts

VirtComp serves as a highly educational tool for those seeking to deepen their understanding of computer systems by providing hands-on experience with an advanced virtual computer scenario.