Machine Instructions and Assembly Language Programming
This module explores the fundamentals of machine instructions and assembly language programming, emphasizing how programs are executed by processors. Key concepts include instruction formats, types of instructions, and the cyclical instruction execution process carried out by the CPU. Additionally, it covers assembly language programming, emphasizing the role of assembler directives, the assembly process, and the use of macros for code abstraction.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Machine instructions are binary commands executed by the CPU, which follow a structured format comprising opcodes and operands.
- The instruction cycle consists of fetching, decoding, executing, and storing results, while special-purpose registers like the Program Counter and Instruction Register facilitate this process.
- Assembly language serves as a symbolic representation of machine instructions, making programming more accessible, and provides directives for code management and organization.
Key Concepts
- -- Machine Instructions
- Binary commands that the CPU executes, encoded in a specific instruction format consisting of opcodes and operands, directing the CPU to perform various operations.
- -- Instruction Cycle
- A cyclical process undertaken by the CPU involving the fetching, decoding, executing, and storing of instructions, enabling the sequential execution of programs.
- -- Assembly Language
- A low-level programming language that provides symbolic representations of machine instructions, making it easier to write and understand code compared to raw binary.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.