Assembly Language Step-By-Step: Programming with Linux

By Jeff Duntemann

Book Overview

The eagerly anticipated new edition of the bestselling introduction to x86 assembly language

The long-awaited third edition of this bestselling introduction to assembly language has been completely rewritten to focus on 32-bit protected-mode Linux and the free NASM assembler. Assembly is the fundamental language bridging human ideas and the pure silicon hearts of computers, and popular author Jeff Dunteman retains his distinctive lighthearted style as he presents a step-by-step approach to this difficult technical discipline.

He starts at the very beginning, explaining the basic ideas of programmable computing, the binary and hexadecimal number systems, the Intel x86 computer architecture, and the process of software development under Linux. From that foundation he systematically treats the x86 instruction set, memory addressing, procedures, macros, and interface to the C-language code libraries upon which Linux itself is built.

Serves as an ideal introduction to x86 computing concepts, as demonstrated by the only language directly understood by the CPU itself Uses an approachable, conversational style that assumes no prior experience in programming of any kind Presents x86 architecture and assembly concepts through a cumulative tutorial approach that is ideal for self-paced instruction Focuses entirely on free, open-source software, including Ubuntu Linux, the NASM assembler, the Kate editor, and the Gdb/Insight debugger Includes an x86 instruction set reference for the most common machine instructions, specifically tailored for use by programming beginners Woven into the presentation are plenty of assembly code examples, plus practical tips on software design, coding, testing, and debugging, all using free, open-source software that may be downloaded without charge from the Internet.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470497025
• ISBN13: 9780470497029
• Release Date: October 2009
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 656 Pages
• Weight: 2.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 7.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Nice introduction

This book is really good value for people who, like me, know how to use a computer and feel like learning more about the way it works. It's quite easy to understand it, even if you don't know how to program at all. I guess it may be boring for expert users, but it's a great start for newbies. If you would like to understand a bit more about the computer itself, this is the place to begin.

Excellent book - Only the bare basics to get you started.

This book is great. It is a book that will take you step by step to get you started. Not like those other begginers books that assume that you know how the computer works, this one will take you from the basic inner workings of a computer to a level where you can start creating very basic programs. From this book, you can go out and get a normal beginners book and be able to understand what you are trying to learn.

Excellent (Absolute) Beginners Book

That's it, if you already know Assembler even somewhat do NOT get this book! You'll be dissapointed. But if you have no idea what Assembler or Machine Language is (e.g. what is a register or code segment?) DO get get this book! This book is good quick read and review for students to read before entering a Assembly/Machine Orginzation class in college. It provides you a excellent overview of what you will be getting into. In my own experience I read it before I started class, it has helped me tremendously in class because I didn't have to struggle with the basic concepts.

The Beginners Book

Jeff Duntemann's book upon Assembly language is AWESOME. I was a beginner with Assembly, accually before I read this book I haven't seen ONE DROP of Assembly code! I had no idea how the language worked, or what some of the code looked like.Someone had told me to get this book, and getting this book was my BEST choice on my programming. This book got me off to an excellent start on understanding Assembly. Duntemann not only explains how the code works, what it does, and how it functions, but he also includes some humorous stories.This book is not for intermediate or advanced Assembly programmers, but for beginners. Duntemann also gives a list of recommended books for futher study of Assembly.

An EXCELLENT book for newcomers and as a reference

Out of the 5 assembly books I own (beginner to advanced), this is one of the better ones. Duntemann's book is EXCELLENT. I read over my copy of Mastering Turbo Assembler and still I wasn't getting it. I read over Using Assembly Language and had the same problem. Too many authors just mention things and leave it at that figuring you already know what they are talking about. This book is not like that. He starts out at the foundation of the computer, at the CPU. He doesn't jump into programming, but rather, explains how computers work, about hex, decimal, how the processor works with code, and so on. It is actually interesting because that's exactly what assembly language is, right down to the metal. Then he takes it one command at a time and explains it very well. His examples are clear and he explains how all of it works. I was having trouble with a couple commands and couldn't find help in several other books. After I read Jeff's book, all those commands made perfect sense. He doesn't teach EVERY assembly language function, but he gives you an EXCELLENT foundation, one that is mandatory to learn assembly. In other books I've owned the authors put stories in there they try to make fit with the lessons, but they never make sense. At the beginning of some chapters, he does the same. His story makes sense, but once you read the following part on assembly, you can put the two together and understand just how things work. A perfect example is how the stack operates. If you are a complete beginner to assembly, someone who hasn't used it in a while, or need a general reference, I couldn't recommend any book more than this. Jeff is truly an excellent teacher. Keep in mind this book covers the 8086/8088 (and briefly the 286-486), so if you plan to move on, you MUST have base knowledge. You can't program the 486 (or such) without knowing the 8086/8088. So don't take that like "oh no, I'll only learn the old stale PC." You have to learn to walk before you can run. Overall, I would recommend this book! to ANYBODY wanting to learn assembly language. It lives up to its name.