ICS 312: Machine-Level and Systems Programming

Description: Machine organization, machine instructions, addressing modes, assembler language, subroutine linkage, linking to higher-level languages, interface to operating systems, introduction to assemblers, loaders and compilers. Pre: 212 (or concurrent), or consent.

Objectives

Students understand the underlying principle behind machine-level data representations, computing, and programming
Students are proficient with assembly programming for the x86 architecture, including register operations, control structures, bitwise operations, and subprograms
Students understand the underlying principles behind compiling, linking, loading, and debugging
Students gain some hands-on experience with developing a small compiler

Course Learning Outcomes: (See objectives.)

Program Learning Outcomes

a. Students can apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
b. Students can analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
c. Students can design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
i. Students can use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice

Prerequisites: 212 (or concurrent), or consent.

Textbook(s): PC Assembly Language, A. Carter (http://www.drpaulcarter.com/pcasm/) NASM User Manual (http://www.nasm.us/doc/)

Grading: In-class quizzes (always on Tuesdays, for each Module): 10% Homework and programming assignments: 55% Midterm: 15% Final: 20%

Schedule

Week 1: Introduction and historical perspective
Week 2: Computer architecture principles
Week 3: Numbers and computers
Week 4: The x86 architecture
Weeks 5,6: The NASM assembly programming environment
Week 7,8,9: Essential assembly programming
Week 10: Bit operations
Week 11: Subprograms
Week 13: Regular expressions, lexical analysis
Week 14: Context-free grammars, syntactic analysis
Week 15: Linking, Loading, Debugging