That dreaded language...

[Deity]

Does anybody here program in assembly language?

[FooL]

Not yet, but I'll have a class on it here in a couple of semesters....ugh. <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

[JungleMan1]

What is assembly language?

[KoWind7]

Assembly language (aka ASM) is a low level programing language. It operates on the hardware level, talking directly to the cpu/memory/etc. C/C++, Basic, VB, etc. are high level languages as they use regular english (sorta) for the source code.

You have to know ALOT about how hardware works. You can make some VERY impressive programs.

As for being able to help with ASM, I can't. The only ASM I've used was all preprogrammed. All I had to do was drop it into pascal...

[migel628]

I have a basic understanding of ASM, I haven't played with it in a while (a year or two) since that class ended, but I'll try to help where I can.

[SimonT]

Started learning ASM, but it was too boring <IMG SRC="smilies/redface.gif" border="0">

[Deity]

Not sure exactly whether I need help or not....not yet anyway. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> I decided to teach myself ASM, to help support my company's legacy software. Unfortunately, there are no classes in this area for ASM. Right now I plan on teching myself through an online textbook I found. So far, the book is very well written and my previous experience with hardware definitely helps. I know a fair amount of C++ and VB already, which give me a good programming theory background, but I've always wanted to get into the low level stuff.

The next part is actually starting to learn it... <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0">

[SimonT]

Isnt that what the online book is supposed to do??

[Deity]

Yes, but like you I often find it a little boring. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[SimonT]

Well thats ASM for you <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">
If its boring try looking for other sources, you might just have a crap book <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

[Imon Fyre]

wish my university had a ASM class. it would come in handy to know how all the stuff thats like 10 or more years old could have been programmed.

whats the addy of that book so i can try to get a start on learning an almost dead language

[Deity]

http://webster.cs.ucr.edu/Page_asm/A...df/AoAPDF.html

The Art of Assembly Language. It's a very good book so far. It's not boring yet, but it's the techinical information that gets a little dry. Thankfully, the author likes to write what he thinks and tries to lighten up the material a bit.

[LabRat]

For me involvement, is the key in learning any subject from any book. My coursework requires projects that are given in the book. The instructor (thankfully) accepts reasonable inclusions/ modifications / deviations from the details as long as the goal is met for the performance requirements. I like to challenge myself by asking what functions can be performed with the discussed subject. Open file, call application, social interaction, etc....

Give yourself a project and set a goal of being able to meet the requirements set in your project by reading the text. Read the text and ask yourself how the commands/functions will help to meet those project goals. Do the project. Re-read the text to debug or add new functionality.

Hope this helps.

[Deity]

The author repeatedly refers to a lab exercise book. However, being that this is an online version of a college textbook, the lab manual is not available. But I do plan on playing with the code as I go. And the overall purpose of this, other than to simply gain knowledge, is a project at work.

Although my boss occasionally asks why I'm just "playing" on the internet, instead of working. All the while, I'm studying assembly language to help make him money! <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

[LabRat]

LOL,

I'm in much the same position. You've got my empathy if nothing else. It really is difficult to find understanding in management for the constant need to train just to stay even with technology and prepare for situations where older technology must be supported.

Assembly (much like Telnet) will always remain the backbone and knowing where the roots are as well as how to map them will always lead you to the water/reward.

Wish you enjoyment and completion in your project.