Build a Software Stack from Scratch: Compilers, VMs, and OS

Demystify how high-level code runs on hardware by writing your own virtual machine, compiler, and basic operating system through step-by-step written guides.

4.9 (534) ⏱ 54 min 📚 11 lessons 🎧 Audio version

About this course

Have you ever wondered what actually happens when you run a line of high-level code? Understanding the layers that bridge software and hardware is a key milestone for any aspiring developer or computer scientist. This text-based course takes you on a step-by-step journey to build a functional software stack from the ground up. You will explore how high-level languages are translated, managed, and executed on physical hardware, giving you a profound, first-principles understanding of computer systems. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational layers of a software stack, from virtual machines to operating systems. - Build a virtual machine translator that converts intermediate bytecode into assembly instructions. - Develop a compiler for a high-level, object-oriented language from scratch. - Implement basic operating system services, including memory allocation and input/output handling. - Explore modern execution paradigms, including virtual machine architectures and safe memory management concepts. You will start with the fundamental theory of compilation and virtual machines before diving into practical, written implementation exercises. The curriculum guides you systematically through building the translator, compiler, and operating system modules. This course is designed for curious programmers and computer science enthusiasts. It starts with core foundational concepts and requires only basic programming knowledge. Begin your journey into the depths of computer science and master the software stack today.

What you'll get

  • 📜 Certificate of completion
    Add it to your LinkedIn profile
  • 💬 Personal AI tutor
    Stuck on a lesson? Ask your built-in tutor anything, any time.
  • 🎧 Audio version included
    Learn on the go — no screen needed
  • ♾️ Lifetime access
    Come back anytime, no expiry
  • 📱 Phone or computer
    Works anywhere, any device
  • 💸 30-day refund
    No questions asked
  • Short & focused
    54 min of practical content

Reviews (7)

Moshe Eisenberg IL
★ 4 · 2026-05-22T01:07:06+00:00

Good overview of the topic. Some parts were a bit faster than I liked, but overall a solid learning experience.

오하영 KR
★ 3 · 2026-02-27T01:30:06+00:00

It's a decent introduction. Could benefit from more diverse examples and a slightly better flow between modules.

Thusitha Mendis LK
★ 3 · 2026-01-01T17:32:06+00:00

Hmm, I'm not sure this is for absolute beginners. It assumes a bit of prior knowledge that wasn't explicitly taught. Some examples were confusing.

Pēteris Lācis LV Verified learner
★ 4 · 2025-11-26T20:34:06+00:00

Pretty good introduction. The examples were helpful, but I wish there was a bit more practice material. Solid value for the cost.

Khalid Mahmood PK
★ 4 · 2025-06-18T23:50:06+00:00

Pretty good overall. Some sections felt a little rushed, but the core content was solid and the examples were useful. I learned a lot.

Joseph Roy CA Verified learner
★ 3 · 2025-06-02T03:31:06+00:00

Good introduction. I appreciated the clear steps, although some of the later modules could have used more examples.

عمر DZ Verified learner
★ 4 · 2025-04-13T11:38:06+00:00

Good overall. Some parts were a bit faster than I expected, but the examples were helpful. Generally a solid course.

Write a review

You'll be asked to sign in after sending — your draft is saved.

Learners also took

Frequently asked

What do I need to take this course? +

Just a phone or computer with internet. No installs, no special hardware.

How do I pay? +

By card via Stripe, or with cryptocurrency. We do not store card details — Stripe handles them securely.

Can I get a refund? +

Yes — full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.

How long will I have access? +

Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.

Will I get a certificate? +

Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.

Built for learners in
Tech Design Finance Marketing Healthcare Education Hospitality Manufacturing