Hi.
Is assembler still relevant for mechatronics, especially robotics? And more generally, is it relevant in programming? Should I invest time in learning assembler or should I start learning C/C++ immediately?
If assembler is indeed still relevant, I would greatly appreciate recommendations for the most comprehensive and diverse books on the subject.
Thanks.
Assembler programming is still relevant in certain contexts, including mechatronics and robotics. While most programming for these fields is done using higher-level languages like C/C++, understanding assembly language can be beneficial for low-level optimizations, debugging, and interfacing with hardware directly.
That being said, it is not necessary to start with assembly language if you are just getting started with programming. It is generally recommended to learn a higher-level language like C/C++ first, as it provides you with a good foundation and allows you to focus on the logic of programming rather than the specific details of hardware architecture.
Once you have a solid understanding of C/C++, you can then gradually explore assembly language if you wish to dive deeper into the inner workings of the hardware or optimize code for specific tasks. This way, you can leverage the benefits of both higher-level and lower-level languages.
As for book recommendations on assembly language, some popular ones include "Assembly Language for x86 Processors" by Kip R. Irvine, "Programming from the Ground Up" by Jonathan Bartlett, and "The Art of Assembly Language" by Randall Hyde. These books cover various aspects of assembly programming and provide comprehensive explanations and examples to help you understand the concepts better.
Generally speaking, the assembler is relevant and starting with it is great. However, it's important to understand that no matter how deeply you study assembler, you may still be far from solving real-world problems. This realization can be demotivating. Personally, my first language was C, followed by the assembler. It was only through learning the assembler that I was able to tackle various cool projects and solve practical problems. Nonetheless, I continued coding in C for DOS alongside my assembler studies. It wasn't until 1997 that I transitioned to Windows. Many of my older colleagues began their programming journey with assembler because there weren't many options available at that time. Personally, I never really warmed up to C++, and my preference hasn't changed to this day. Nowadays, I mostly work with bash, JavaScript, and Python.
Programming languages, such as assembler and C, provide a strong foundation for understanding computer systems and solving technical challenges. However, it's crucial to embrace other languages and adapt to the changing landscape of technology. Languages like JavaScript and Python have gained popularity due to their versatility and ease of use in various applications. It's always beneficial to explore different programming languages and stay open-minded to new tools and technologies.
The assembler remains relevant and is worth studying, whether after high-level programming languages or concurrently with them, to gain a deeper understanding of how things function at the hardware level. Alongside robotics, assembler is also applicable in reverse engineering, enabling one to potentially hack the PentŠ°gon program or fix bugs in it even without access to source code.
One shouldn't get too overwhelmed with it, as the key is to grasp the fundamentals. The syntax is straightforward. It's important to understand concepts such as registers, interrupts, processor behavior, computer architectures, stacks, heaps, and RAM functionality. Moreover, familiarity with common commands like jne, je, mov, etc., is essential.
Understanding assembler can provide a solid foundation for various disciplines within computer science and engineering, allowing for greater versatility and problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, it offers insights into the inner workings of technology, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexity behind modern computing systems.
The intricate nature of robotics often demands a close interaction with hardware components, and this is where assembler's significance becomes evident. While higher-level languages such as C and C++ are the primary choices for programming robots due to their versatility and extensive libraries, assembler language offers a profound understanding of the underlying hardware architecture.
Understanding assembler language grants engineers a comprehensive grasp of how computers execute instructions at the hardware level. This knowledge can be invaluable in optimizing performance-critical sections of code, a crucial requirement in the robotics field. As a robotics engineer, having a foundational understanding of assembler can enhance your ability to write more efficient, resource-conscious code, which is particularly essential for embedded systems within robotics.
Learning assembler can also provide insights into real-time performance and resource management, which are pivotal considerations in robotics development. With this knowledge, engineers can better comprehend and manage system resources, enabling them to fine-tune code execution for optimal performance in robotic applications.
However, it is important to acknowledge that C and C++ remain the dominant programming languages in the robotics domain due to their portability, readability, and extensive support within the robotics community. As such, while understanding assembler is beneficial, initiating your learning journey with C/C++ may be the most practical approach for many robotics applications.
Delving into assembler language can equip engineers with the expertise to write highly optimized code and troubleshoot issues at a lower level. To this end, broadening your skill set to encompass assembler language can serve as a strategic advantage, especially in scenarios demanding meticulous hardware interaction and code optimization.
Should you choose to explore assembler language, I recommend several comprehensive and diverse books that can serve as valuable resources. "Programming from the Ground Up" by Jonathan Bartlett introduces readers to the fundamental concepts of assembly language, making it an excellent starting point for beginners. "The Art of Assembly Language" by Randall Hyde provides a thorough exploration of assembly language programming, catering to a wide spectrum of skill levels. Additionally, "Introduction to 80x86 Assembly Language and Computer Architecture" by Richard C. Detmer delivers an in-depth understanding of assembly language and its interaction with computer architecture, equipping readers with a holistic perspective.
While C and C++ programming languages reign supreme in robotics, gaining proficiency in assembler language can amplify your ability to dissect and optimize code at a granular level. As a robotics engineer, carefully considering the specific requirements of your projects and your long-term career goals will help inform your decision on whether to invest time in learning assembler or to commence with C/C++ proficiency.