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Showing posts from March, 2022

How do programs work on a computer? (Part 1/2)

Let's take a very simple program for understanding how this system works. The following example is a very basic C code that assigns 2 variables (x and y) and then adds them to generate a value 'z'.  Note: We do not output anything in this program void main() { int x = 3; int y = 4; int z = x + y; } But we have a pressing question. Computers inherently work on electronics and logic, so how does it understand and execute the program? The answer is not very simple and you have to bear with me through a tiny journey. Basic Logic Circuits Let's first begin with a very basic Circuit which implements AND logic and OR logic (skip if you are familiar)  As seen in the circuits above, for the left circuit, the LED lights up only when both switches are on. This is AND logic as "Switch 1 AND Switch 2 need to be on". In the circuit on the right, either of the switch will switch on the LED. Note that in the

How do programs work on a computer? (Part 1/2)

Let's take a very simple program for understanding how this system works. The following example is a very basic C code that assigns 2 variables (x and y) and then adds them to generate a value 'z'.  Note: We do not output anything in this program void main() { int x = 3; int y = 4; int z = x + y; } But we have a pressing question. Computers inherently work on electronics and logic, so how does it understand and execute the program? The answer is not very simple and you have to bear with me through a tiny journey. Basic Logic Circuits Let's first begin with a very basic Circuit which implements AND logic and OR logic (skip if you are familiar)  As seen in the circuits above, for the left circuit, the LED lights up only when both switches are on. This is AND logic as "Switch 1 AND Switch 2 need to be on". In the circuit on the right, either of the switch will switch on the LED. Note that in the

The future of Web Acceleration and Security #2: DPDK

Most of you would have noticed by now that my content is heavily focused on Computer Networks and systems. And yes, I love these subjects (although my grades might say otherwise). I started this blog because the technology I deal with on a day to day basis usually does not have a tutorial targeted at people who do not already have multiple years of relevant industry experience under their belts. It is not trivial for most newbies (including myself) to understand concepts like SmartNICs , eBPF  and other stuff. And while writing this blog, I try to be as accurate as my knowledge allows me to be. Source and Attribution That being said, let us first understand the limitations because of which DPDK has become necessary. Pre-Requisites Before we begin, you should already know the basics of what a network packet is and how it's transmitted. If you are not aware of it, please visit the links below (both are necessary): Life of a packet Life of a packet - Deep Dive Now that you have unde