Ershov Computer vs Nand2Tetris
Nand2Tetris is the famous course by Noam Nisan and Shimon Schocken, where students build the Hack computer in 12 steps — from a NAND gate to their own game. Ershov Computer pursues the same goal in the browser and in industrial Verilog. Both courses deserve respect — let's compare them honestly.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Nand2Tetris | Ershov Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Authors and format | University course (Nisan, Schocken) | Interactive online course |
| Price | Materials free, certificate paid | Completely free |
| Platform | Requires installing Java tools | Browser, no install |
| Hardware description language | Custom HDL | Standard Verilog |
| Circuit verification | Scripted tests | Truth tables + structural checks |
| AI tutor | — | Yes (circuit analysis, hints) |
| Assembler and compiler | Yes (own language) | Assembler for your own processor |
| Verilog / FPGA | — | Verilog + export to Tang Nano 9K |
| School methodology | Designed for university | Lesson plans for schools, course timeline |
| Gamification | Academic format | Levels, rewards, sandbox |
Strengths of Nand2Tetris
Nand2Tetris is a time-tested academic course with deep coverage: from gates to a compiler and operating system. Its custom HDL is stripped of industrial complexity, and the bottom-up methodology explains brilliantly what a computer is made of. It is a benchmark for many universities.
Strengths of Ershov Computer
Ershov Computer brings the same idea into the browser: nothing to install, hints and datasheets embedded right into the levels, and an AI tutor that explains your specific circuit. Instead of an academic HDL, the course uses standard Verilog — the language chips are described with in industry — and the final project exports to a real Tang Nano 9K FPGA board. The ready-made course timeline simplifies classroom adoption.
Comparisons with other projects
- Ershov Computer vs NandGame — comparison with the free browser project.
- Ershov Computer vs Turing Complete — comparison with the commercial Steam game.
Try it
Open the logic circuit simulator and complete the first levels for free — no install, no registration.