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Assembly Language

  • The earliest programming languages consisted of direct machine code represented by binary numbers (1's and 0's). However, due to the complexity of this method, assembly languages were introduced.
  • Programmers opt for assembly language for various reasons:
    • Requirement to utilize specific hardware components.
    • Execution of particular machine-dependent instructions.
    • Optimization of RAM usage to prevent excessive memory consumption.
    • Attainment of faster code execution.
  • Assembly languages enable programmers to utilize mnemonics for programming, for instance:
    • LDA (Load) - loads a value to the accumulator
    • ADD (Addition) - adds a value from memory to the accumulator
    • STO (Store) - stores the accumulator value in RAM
  • Mnemonics replace binary code, retaining direct hardware interaction while simplifying complexity.
  • When a mnemonic is input, the computer references a specific table.
  • An assembler is necessary to convert the mnemonic into machine code, ensuring accuracy.
  • Upon identifying a match, such as "STO," the assembler substitutes it with the corresponding binary code sequence.

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Why do programmers opt for assembly language?
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FAQs on Assembly Language - Computer for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

1. What is the difference between assembly language and machine language?
Ans. Assembly language is a low-level programming language that uses mnemonics to represent machine instructions, making it easier for humans to understand and write code. Machine language, on the other hand, consists of binary code that is directly executed by the computer's CPU.
2. How is an assembly language program converted into machine code?
Ans. An assembly language program is converted into machine code through a process called assembly or compilation. The assembler or compiler translates the mnemonic instructions into binary code that can be executed by the computer.
3. Why is understanding assembly language important for computer science students?
Ans. Understanding assembly language is important for computer science students as it provides insights into how computers actually process instructions at the hardware level. It also helps in optimizing code for better performance and understanding of system architecture.
4. What are some common assembly language instructions?
Ans. Common assembly language instructions include MOV (move data), ADD (addition), SUB (subtraction), JMP (jump), and others that manipulate data and control flow within a program.
5. How does assembly language programming differ from high-level programming languages like C++ or Java?
Ans. Assembly language programming is closer to the computer's hardware and allows for greater control over system resources, but it is more complex and less portable than high-level languages. High-level languages abstract away many details of the underlying hardware, making them easier to use and more portable across different platforms.
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