[Coco] Linville's Tech Segment on Assembly Language vs. Machine Code

[Salvador Garcia]

I used the KIM-1 back in college for the lab of one of my classes. Incredible, I can;t remember which.

I think that knowing machine code depends largely on the level of the assembly language programmer and the hardware being programmed. 

The KIM-1 is a good example (although we venture into 6502 territory here). This computer does not have a screen or editor to be able to enter assembly language. I remember typing in the hex digits of the machine code to create a pulse on one of its outputs.

However, later computers provided more complete user interfaces and software for the asm programmer. This removed the need to learn and understand machine code. Emphasis on the word "need"; however, knowing how an underlying mechanism works opens the door to having more information to make make better decision on how to program using a higher level.

This methodology can also apply to other languages. For example, knowing assembly language can help in coding more efficient C programs.

Actually I think that the "vs" should be removed. It isn't one versus theother, rather it is one with the other.

OMG!!!!

I got curious about the KIM-1 and found this eBay auction:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1976-MOS-KIM-1-Computer-System-and-peripherals-/292003711123


The seller wants $5K for this!!


Salvador

On Sunday, July 16, 2017, 11:35:49 PM CDT, Melanie and John Mark Mobley <johnmarkmelanie at gmail.com> wrote:

All,

John Linville did offer for me to debate the issue on the podcast when he
gave his last Tech Segment.

I did not jump at the chance, perhaps I should have.

I think John was right that you do not need to become an expert machine code
programmer in order to learn assembly language.

I recently worked with a Micro-KIM (Keyboard Input Monitor) from Briel
Computers.  Which is a KIM-1 replica/work-a-like.  I was very interested in
how the single-step function worked.  I studied the schematic and the source
code and figured it out, mostly.  I found a website that would convert the
assembly language to machine code and then I typed in the machine code.  I
also found a KIM-1 emulator that runs in a browser.  The KIM-1 also has the
ability to examine the registers.  After a few days I got my fill and I have
not picked it up since.  But I enjoyed it.  It was fun for a time.  It is a
good design.  I know it is not for everyone, but I really like it.

John Mark Mobley



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