A high-level language statement is translated into a single machine language instruction.
If you want to know how computers work and avoid a few programming pitfalls, it’s helpful to learn the basics. So, let’s take a quick look at assembly language and a few of the benefits of understanding it.If you’re a software developer, you’re probably aware that there are multiple types of computer languages that developers and systems use. Computers understand machine-level language, while humans use higher-level languages like JavaScript, C++, etc. But there’s a language that falls in the middle that helps bridge the divide between these two entities called assembly language. But what is an assembly language and where does it fit into the programming hierarchy? Show
What Is Assembly Language? A Look at Machine-Specific ProgrammingA basic graphic that illustrates how assemblers convert assembly language into machine language.Assembly language, also known as assembler language, is a low-level programming language that’s designed to communicate instructions with specific computer hardware and direct the flow of information. It does this using human-readable mnemonics (consisting of mnemonics like “LDA” to represent load accumulator) to form short code that makes it easier for the person trying to complete the work. These short codes are converted into machine learning language (binary, i.e., 1s and 0s) through the use of programs called assemblers. In a nutshell, machine language uses binary code, which is almost impossible for humans to decipher, whereas assembly language uses mnemonic codes to write a program. Mnemonic codes make it simpler for humans to understand or remember something, and so make the language a bit easier for humans to use than machine code. Assembly is language is nothing new; it’s been around almost as long as computers themselves. The first assembly language was invented in 1947 by mathematician Kathleen Booth at Birkbeck College, London, with assistance from Andrew Booth (her husband), Jon von Neumann, and Herman Goldstein. Is Assembly Commonly Used by Developers?No way. The truth is that most developers don’t use assembly language anymore because it’s often regarded as being cumbersome and challenging to use. This is so much the case that assembly language has basically gone the way of Javan Rhinoceroses — it’s virtually extinct as it’s something most professionals nowadays never learn. (In fact, many colleges only offer it as an elective course [if they offer it at all]!) There are other languages that are easier to use — namely high-level languages, which we’ll speak more about momentarily. And many of these high-level languages bypass the need for knowing assembly language altogether because they convert a developer’s written code to a standard intermediate language on the backend. Occasionally, you’ll find the rare hardcore developer who still uses assembly language. But you might want to snap a picture when you see it because it’s truly a rare occurrence. Assembly Language Is One of Multiple Types of Computer LanguagesTo understand the concept of assembly language, it helps to take a holistic approach and learn about all three types of computer language. It’s important to note that some people say there are three main groups of languages, some say four, some say even more than that. The answer varies depending on whom you ask and how they categorize these languages. 1. Machine LanguageEvery device has a processor responsible for all the functions performed by that device. These processors use machine language to “talk” to the different parts of the device, for example, giving and receiving instructions to/from the keyboard and mouse. As we touched on earlier, machine language is written in binary form (0s and 1s) in a hexadecimal format and each family of processors has its own version. Although processors speak machine language fluently, it’s extremely challenging for a human to read or use — and virtually impossible for someone to do so quickly. That’s where assembly language comes in. 2. Assembly LanguagesIn general, assembly language is a bit more user-friendly than machine-level language but more difficult than high-level language. It uses short codes to instruct the machine to perform certain operations. Whereas machine language uses 0s and 1s to instruct the computer, assembly language uses mnemonics that are easier for humans to work with. As we already know, processors only speak machine language. So, to translate the machine code into assembly language and vice versa, a program called an assembler is required. The translation process is known as assembling, and the time required to translate the language is called assembling time. As different families of processors use different machine codes, the assembly language for each family is also different. Some assembly languages work across different operating systems, whereas others are specific to one OS or platform. Here’s a quick look at what assembly language looks and how it translates to machine code via the assembler:
3. Middle-Level Languages (i.e., Common Intermediate Language)As we mentioned earlier, developers typically don’t use assembly languages anymore. Often, developers use high-level languages that are then compiled into intermediate language (IL) that gets translated into machine language code. Basically, this means that it bypasses the need for assembly altogether. 4. High-level LanguagesSo, what are higher-level languages? Assembly language requires multi-line, detailed instructions to carry out simple functions. Higher-level computer languages are processor agnostic and are designed to give instructions in a human-readable manner. Programs written in higher-level languages can be read by humans (as long as they know the language) and are concise and easy to operate. For example, what could take eight lines worth of code in assembly might take three short commands in a high-level language. This information would then use a compiler tool to convert it into machine code. However, the execution time is greater than with lower-level languages. Although the difference is minimal, some programmers prefer to use assembly language when a short program is needed, and time is of the essence.
Assembly Language Short Code Consists of Opcode and OperandsAssembly language instructions use mnemonic code and meta statements to give instructions to the computer (once translated into machine language). A computer can perform arithmetic functions like addition and subtraction, and logical functions like comparison and conditional functions. To instruct the computer, the assembly language uses one operation code (opcode), followed by two arguments (operands). Opcode: The operation code (opcode) instructs the machine about the type of operation to be performed. Operands: Operands can represent the data to be processed, or the constants on which the operation is to be performed. Operands can either be a constant value or an address pointing to where the data is stored (e.g., a specific register value or memory location). They can define the address of the data using:
The following table shows the commands in different assembly architecture and assembler program languages:
A Breakdown of the Two Types of AssemblersAssembly languages need an assembler in some cases to translate high-level code into machine code. Assemblers are categorized based on the number of cycles (passes) they perform to generate the object code. We might use a one-pass or a multi-pass assembler depending on the situation and requirements. Let’s take a look at the two types of assemblers.
Of course, there are other differences between one-pass and two-pass assemblers, but we’re not going to get into all of that here. Check out this Quora post for a more granular comparison. And just remember: in many cases, assemblers are no longer used. This is because many high-level languages compile into CIL and then directly into machine language; they bypass the need for assembly altogether. Pros and Cons of Learning and Using Assembly LanguagesAssembly language is typically used in boot codes and operating system kernels but can also be used at higher levels to create many different kinds of programs. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of learning and using assembly language:
Final Words on Assembly LanguageAssembly language fits between high-level and machine-level languages, helping to facilitate communication between users and computers that use different languages. While high-level languages are easier for a programmer to use, machines don’t understand them. On the other hand, machine code is easier for devices but very difficult for humans to understand. So, assembly language serves as a way to bridge that gap historically. Although assembly language is easier for us to use than machine language, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to use. This is why most high-level programming languages and programs nowadays bypass the need for assembly and go straight to CIL and machine language after that. How is highA compiler is a computer program that translates a program written in a high-level language to the machine language of a computer. The compiler is used to translate source code into machine code or compiled code.
What translates high level languages into machine language select one?A compiler is a translator program that converts a high-level language source program into a machine language object program.
What translates highA compiler is a translator program which translates a high level programming language into equivalent machine language programs.
Why does high level languages convert to machine languages?A high-level language cannot be understood directly by a computer, and it needs to be translated into machine code.
|