While it is possible to write machine language programs using the memory editor, the preferred approach is to write your program in assembly language and let the assembler generate the corresponding machine language code. Assembly language allows you to write programs at a more abstract level than is possible using machine language.
Every element of a machine language program is a number. In assembly language, most of these numbers are replaced by text:
Program Element | Machine Language | Assembly Language |
Constant | An unsigned offset (from CPP) | An identifier |
Method | An unsigned offset (from CPP) | An identifier |
Variable/Parameter | An unsigned offset (from LV) | An identifier |
Opcode | An unsigned byte value | An English-like mnemonic |
Branch Operands | A signed offset | A program label |
A number of assembly language tutorials are provided with the simulator. They are intended to be read in the following order:
The following sections contain additional information: