Ask HN: Help finding a programming primer posted on HN several years ago?

by syedkarimon 2/17/2024, 11:01 PMwith 3 comments

A few years ago I came across a website that explained computers and programming starting with binary. It was a black and white, almost text-only website with about 100 pages. It did a great job of explaining every abstraction layer in very clear, basic terms. I thought it would be a perfect starting point for my kids. Sadly, I lost the link. I’ve spent hours looking for it.

Does anyone remember what I’m talking about?

by montgomery_ron 2/18/2024, 12:10 AM

Was it this one? https://reasonablypolymorphic.com/book/preface

- it does what you describe, at least! All the best for your search….

by Qemon 2/18/2024, 12:22 AM

I have no idea what is this site. But the bottom-up approach description is reminiscent of the book The Pattern on the Stone, by Danny Hillis: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pattern_on_the_Stone