# Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software, 2nd Edition

Edition: Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software is Charles Petzold’s updated guide to how computing systems work, from simple circuits and logic gates through CPU components and the internet. Its explanatory illustrations and linked interactive circuit graphics are intended to make the layers behind digital devices easier to follow.

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- Market: US
- Language: en-US
- Currency: USD
- Category: Books, Music & Hobbies > Books, Music & Movies > Books & Comics
- Price: 3.99 USD
- Previous price: 37.99 USD
- Discount: 89%
- Price checked: 2026-11-12T11:13:30.687Z
- Rating: 4.8 / 5
- Reviews: 1091

Prices and deal status are the latest recorded data, not a guarantee of availability. Confirm the price and availability with the store.

## At a glance

- Uses analogies and illustrations to explain how computing systems are built from basic operations.
- Expanded edition adds coverage of clocks, the arithmetic logic unit, registers and busses, CPU control signals, jumps, loops, calls, and the world brain.
- The book description points to animated circuit graphics on a companion website.

## Pros

- Covers both foundational digital concepts and how basic operations combine inside a CPU.
- The breadth from circuits and clocks to the internet can help connect hardware concepts with larger computing systems.
- Customer feedback describes the explanations as informative, accessible, and engaging.

## Cons

- The Kindle listing says enhanced typesetting, X-Ray, Word Wise, and Page Flip are not enabled.

## Specifications

### Edition and publication
- Edition: 2nd
- Publisher: Microsoft Press
- Publication date: August 2, 2022
- Language: English
- Print length: 480 pages
- Reading age: 18 years and up
### Kindle edition
- Format: Print Replica
- File size: 17.3 MB
- Screen Reader: Supported
- Enhanced typesetting: Not Enabled
- X-Ray: Not Enabled
- Word Wise: Not Enabled
- Page Flip: Not Enabled
### Book identifier
- ISBN-13: 978-0137909339

## Before you buy

- This Kindle edition is listed as Print Replica, so confirm that format suits your reading device and preferences. The companion website is mentioned in the book description, but access details are not provided here.

## A good fit for

- Readers building a conceptual foundation in computer hardware, logic, and computer theory.
- Curious learners who prefer illustrated explanations and analogies over a narrowly focused programming manual.
- Readers interested in how basic circuits and CPU operations connect to modern digital systems.

## Less suited to

- Readers seeking a hands-on coding course or a narrowly focused reference for a particular programming language.
- Readers who require enhanced Kindle reading features such as X-Ray, Word Wise, or Page Flip.

## Customer feedback

Customer feedback highlights the book’s clear, informative treatment of complex computer concepts and its engaging, foundational approach. That aligns with the listing’s emphasis on explaining circuits, CPUs, and computing systems through illustrations and analogies. Feedback also describes the Kindle version as receiving mixed reactions, which matters for readers relying on this Print Replica edition and its listed reading-feature limitations.
- Positive themes: Customers describe the content as informative and useful for building a foundation in computer theory.
- Positive themes: Customers praise its accessible, engaging presentation and consider it a classic.
- Mixed feedback: Customer feedback reports mixed reactions to the Kindle version.

## Frequently asked questions

### What topics does this edition cover?
The listing describes coverage of digital circuits and logic, clocks, CPU construction, arithmetic logic units, registers and busses, control signals, program flow, and the internet.
### Is this a practical programming workbook?
The supplied description presents it as an explanation of how computer hardware and software systems work. It does not specify programming exercises or a project-based coding format.
### What should I know about the Kindle format?
The Kindle edition is listed as Print Replica, with a 17.3 MB file size. Enhanced typesetting, X-Ray, Word Wise, and Page Flip are listed as not enabled, while screen reader support is listed.
### Does the book include interactive circuit graphics?
The description mentions animated graphics of key circuits on a companion website. It does not state access requirements or whether website access is included with this listing.

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## Images

![Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software, 2nd Edition — 1](https://best-deals.pro/i/l8_HFa35mA9IlasMBK2-1oGk6j26uJn94uGaLUPUlFM5g_W3hbAyUcIk75cjcc7_nnrbCD4zfQXIcvXAgiWN01_P56QG1tfvk0DFCxSWEKOcwNyboSO1.jpg)