Buffbahun Blogs

Day 3

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 09:11:35 +0545

Yes, I have implemented RAM. First, I want you to have a look at it:

export class RAM {
    private data: SharedArrayBuffer;
    private dataView: Uint8Array;
    private totalBytes: number;

    constructor() {
        // max address lane is 32 bits, so max ram size is 2 pow 32
        this.totalBytes = Math.min(2 ** 32, 1 * 1024 * 1024);
        this.data = new SharedArrayBuffer(this.totalBytes);
        this.dataView = new Uint8Array(this.data);
    }

    getBuffer() {
        return this.data;
    }

    read8(address: Bit32) {
        const dataNum = this.dataView.at(this.addressToIndex(address));
        if (dataNum !== undefined) {
            return decimalToBinary(dataNum, 8) as Bit8;
        }
    }

    write8(address: Bit32, data: Bit8) {
        const dataNum = binaryToDecimal(data);
        this.dataView[this.addressToIndex(address)] = dataNum;
    }

    private addressToIndex(address: Bit32): number {
        const index = binaryToDecimal(address);
        if (index >= this.totalBytes) {
            throw new HardwareExpection(
                HardwareExceptionType.MemoryFault,
                `Invalid address to RAM: 0x${index.toString(16)}`,
                index
            )
        }
        return index;
    }
}

Whereas in the register I used an array variable to store the values, the RAM uses SharedArrayBuffer. It is similar to ArrayBuffer, which is a raw binary buffer. The array buffer is quite similar to real memory because it is also laid out contiguously in memory, one byte after another, just like actual RAM. Thus, it provides good performance when accessing and manipulating the buffer.

Day 2

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:07:19 +0545

I was very excited to learn how the heck, using just logic gates, we can build memory to store bits. It turns out that, using just two NOR gates, we can store 1 bit. The two NOR gates are configured such that one input of the gates is the set and reset input respectively, whereas the other inputs are connected to the output of the opposite gate. Now, connecting the input of one gate to the output of the other gate creates a kind of feedback loop by which the previous state of the circuit determines or influences the current state. It’s the nature of a feedback system.

Day 1

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:17:32 +0545

As we are building a computer, though it’s virtual, from the ground up, we should all ask ourselves a question. What actually is a computer? Hmm, time to think deep.

In my opinion, a computer is a glorified calculator. More specifically, it’s a high-speed adder, capable of doing millions and billions of additions per second. But you may ask, “Shut up! Computers do crazy calculations.” Yes, you are right, but every operation and calculation you think of can be, and is, derived from the addition operation.

Day 0

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:52:46 +0545

The other day I was studying some algorithms used in the file system and buffers that the Unix system used. I was fascinated by the cleverness and engineering intuition behind the implementation. The engineer inside of me screamed in excitement, “Holy shit! This is the real deal.”

Now I have a crazy idea. Why not build my own operating system from scratch? Sounds insane, right? Yes, this scares me. I have no idea whatsoever, but with the right knowledge and, most of all, the right mindset, I think this can be accomplished, though it may take years and years. This is why you are reading this, as this is me documenting my journey. So let’s dive into this voyage.