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Hardware vs Software

Part of the Fundamentals section of Coddy's Verilog journey — lesson 2 of 90.

We write code for both software and hardware, but they work completely differently! Understanding these differences is the key to thinking like a hardware designer.

Software runs step by step. Hardware runs everything at once.

Software (C, Python, Java):

Does one thing, then the next
Variables appear and disappear
Time is approximate

Hardware (Verilog):

Does many things at the same time
Circuits exist forever
Time is exact

Example: A website loads steps by steps. A light switch turns on instantly. That's the difference.

Why it matters: When you write Verilog, you are describing a circuit that runs in parallel, forever, with precise timing.

Cheat sheet

Software vs Hardware execution:

Software (C, Python, Java): runs step by step, variables appear/disappear, time is approximate
Hardware (Verilog): runs everything in parallel, circuits exist forever, time is exact

When writing Verilog, you are describing a circuit that runs in parallel, forever, with precise timing.

Try it yourself

This lesson doesn't include a code challenge.

Test yourself

This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Fundamentals

1Introduction

What Is VerilogHardware vs SoftwareDesign Abstraction Levels Your First Module Comments

4Operators Part 1

Arithmetic Operators Modulo Operator Comparison Operators Recap - Simple Math Bitwise Operators

7Assign And Gates

Continuous Assignment Assign With Operators Built In Gate Primitives AND OR NOT Gates XOR XNOR Gates Recap - Logic Gate Circuit

10Decision Making

If Statement If - Else Recap - Simple Comparator Case Statement Casex And Casez Recap - ALU Design

13Timing And Delays

What Are Delays Gate Delays Assignment Delays Timescale Directive Clock Generation Recap - Timing Control

16Final Challenges

4 Bit Counter Decoder Design Shift Register