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MFdigger · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 5:40 pm Post subject: Assembler lang. - start

Hi All,

I'm completely new to the Assembler language programming. Can anybody please provide me the referece link to start with and understand the language.

I've checked the links clicking on quick manuals but was not sure with which to start with as there are many of the manuals out there.

Thank you
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Tx
Digger

Cogito-Ergo-Sum · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 3:50 am Post subject:

Start with the Language Reference.

I started by compiling small COBOL programs with LIST,NOOFFSET option that would print out the Assembler instructions. That made me aware of the instructions. I would then search for that instruction to understand how they work. Then slowly, step by step (from these fora and net), I started piecing the bits.

Finally, I was helped TREMENDOUSLY by a gentleman in our organisation who would patiently answer all my questions and also, debug my trivial Assembler programs. Thank you, Sir!
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ALL opinions are welcome.

Debugging tip:
When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
-- Sherlock Holmes.

Heikki · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:17 am Post subject:

A good starting point for understanding of the MVS operating environment is the Priciple of operations (POP). This manual is the Bible of all systems programmers.

Regards,
Heikki
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Heikki Elenius
Elenius Enterprise

jacky_ying · Beginner Joined: 25 Jul 2004 Posts: 46 Topics: 20

hey.I am newbie to ASM too.Maybe link below will help you
http://www.wiu.edu/users/mflll/cs310/head.html

MikeBaker · Beginner Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 96 Topics: 9

If you are serious about learning Assembler, then I would highly recommend buying the following book

http://www.murach.com/books/mbal/index.htm

Also print off the BAL instructions from Quick Reference (if you have QW), and browse these instructions in conjunction with the above book. Also hunt for code examples and modify them (cutting away all fancy macros - at first) to do other things. Also write some simple code snippets (probably 20 lines on average) whose sole purpose is to test out an MVS macro. Above all, persist and be patient.

The "Principles of Operation" is undoubtedly the Bible for experienced programmers. However, its likely to do little more than scramble the brain of beginners. However, you should try to understand / re-read POP at some (later) stage.

If you're not serious, then don't bother investing in a good beginners book. If you do not want to invest $70+ in a decent book, it'll take you a lot longer. Murach's one is the best. The few other ones out there are either crap, or too advanced for beginners (ie: Carmine Canatello, and another one (out of print) which deals with Control Blocks for sysprogs).

Also try to find someone who actually knows the language. As anyone can write code, but learning the art of debugging Assembler code can be much more difficult. Debugging COBOL will eventually prove to be mere child's play. PS: Also Murach's book shows you how to (properly) read Dumps.