Computer Architecture | Module 2: Machine Instructions and Assembly Language Programming by Prakhar Chauhan | Learn Smarter
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Module 2: 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.

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Sections

  • 2

    Machine Instructions And Assembly Language Programming

    This section introduces the foundational elements of machine instructions, assembly language programming, and their significance in computer architecture.

  • 2.1

    Machine Instructions And Programs

    This section introduces machine instructions, their structure, and the process through which CPUs execute programs.

  • 2.2

    Types Of Instructions

    This section explores the various types of machine instructions that dictate the CPU's operations, providing insight into how data manipulation and control flow occurs within programs.

  • 2.2.1

    Data Transfer Instructions

    Data transfer instructions play a critical role in moving data between different locations within a CPU and memory, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of information during program execution.

  • 2.2.2

    Arithmetic Instructions

    Arithmetic instructions are fundamental commands that enable a CPU to perform mathematical operations on data, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

  • 2.2.3

    Logical Instructions

    This section focuses on logical instructions within machine programming, detailing their operations and significance in processor execution.

  • 2.2.4

    Control Flow Instructions

    This section focuses on control flow instructions, which modify the default sequential execution of programs, enabling dynamic behaviors like decision-making and repetition.

  • 2.2.5

    I/o Instructions

    I/O instructions govern how the CPU interacts with external devices, utilizing dedicated ports or memory-mapped addresses for communication.

  • 2.3

    Instruction Sets: Instruction Formats And Addressing Modes

    This section delves into the structure of instruction sets of CPUs, highlighting instruction formats and various addressing modes used to specify operand locations.

  • 2.3.1

    Instruction Set Architecture (Isa): The Programmer's View Of The Processor

    The Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) is a critical abstraction layer between hardware and software that defines the CPU's capabilities, instruction types, and formats.

  • 2.3.2

    Instruction Formats

    This section explores the structure and organization of machine instructions in computer systems, focusing on instruction formats and their significance in program execution.

  • 2.3.3

    Addressing Modes: How The Operand's Effective Address Is Calculated

    This section explains how the CPU calculates the effective address of an operand using various addressing modes, which determine how data is accessed in memory.

  • 2.4

    Assembly Language Programming

    This section introduces assembly language, the symbolic representation of machine instructions, and explains its essential role in programming at low levels.

  • 2.4.1

    Introduction To Assembly Language: Symbolic Representation Of Machine Instructions

    Assembly language serves as a symbolic abstraction over machine code, facilitating easier understanding and manipulation of machine instructions for programming.

  • 2.4.2

    Assembler Directives: Instructions To The Assembler

    Assembler directives guide the assembler in its operations, controlling aspects like data definition and memory allocation.

  • 2.4.3

    Assembly Process: From Source Code To Object Code

    This section explains the conversion of assembly language programs into executable machine code, elaborating on the assembler's role and the steps involved in this process.

  • 2.4.4

    Macros: Abstraction In Assembly Programming

    Macros in assembly language provide a way to define sequences of instructions under a single name, enhancing code reusability and readability.

  • 2.4.5

    Advantages And Disadvantages Of Assembly Language

    Assembly language offers direct hardware control and performance optimization but comes with challenges such as low portability and high development time.

  • 2.5

    Program Control: Stacks, Queues, And Subroutines

    This section discusses the critical data structures and concepts essential for effective program control, focusing on stacks, queues, and subroutines.

  • 2.5.1

    Stacks

    Stacks are fundamental data structures that follow the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) principle, serving critical roles in program execution including temporary storage and subroutine management.

  • 2.5.2

    Queues

    This section explores queues as linear data structures that operate on the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) principle, along with their critical applications in embedded systems and real-time processing.

  • 2.5.3

    Subroutines (Functions/procedures)

    This section explains the concept of subroutines, also known as functions or procedures, detailing their role in program control, including their call and return mechanisms.

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Machine instructions are bi...
  • The instruction cycle consi...
  • Assembly language serves as...

Final Test

Revision Tests