Product guide

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.

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.

Price

$3.99Save 89%

Reference price: ~~$37.99~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

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.

Technical specifications

14 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

What to know before buying

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.

Who is it for?

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 reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 1,091 ratings

5 stars88%88%
4 stars8%8%
3 stars2%2%
2 stars0%0%
1 star2%2%

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.
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.