Back in the 70s I was fully aware that learning computers was the key to the universe. And if you wanted to learn how computers worked, you have to learn assembler. And if you want to be more than a beta programmer, you had to learn assembler.
> Knuth invented a hypothetical computer "MIX" with its own assembly level instruction set
I never bothered with that. Why, when real computers are available? MIX is a waste of time.
> it is not practical for many modern use cases and has sharp edges
All CPUs have their sharp edges. Like learning to use a milling machine, you don't want to drive the cutter into the vise. Sure, the 6502 doesn't have a divide instruction, but writing a divide routine is a good start to learning how to make the 6502 dance.
Back in the 70s I was fully aware that learning computers was the key to the universe. And if you wanted to learn how computers worked, you have to learn assembler. And if you want to be more than a beta programmer, you had to learn assembler.
> Knuth invented a hypothetical computer "MIX" with its own assembly level instruction set
I never bothered with that. Why, when real computers are available? MIX is a waste of time.
> it is not practical for many modern use cases and has sharp edges
All CPUs have their sharp edges. Like learning to use a milling machine, you don't want to drive the cutter into the vise. Sure, the 6502 doesn't have a divide instruction, but writing a divide routine is a good start to learning how to make the 6502 dance.