Name: Assembly Language Step-by-step
ISBN: 9780470497029

Assembly Language Step-by-step

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…

What Hacker News says

bananaflagJun 2026

I first found out about segmenting in 16 bit systems in 2016 by reading a lively explanation from an older edition of Duntemann's Assembly Language Step by Step (the newer editions focus largely on Linux and 32/64-bit systems).

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jjkaczorSep 2024

This is a nice introduction! Myself, I started with Jeff Duntemann's "Assembly Language Step By Step" - http://duntemann.com/assembly.html

(He is a an engaging tech author - I have never not loved one of his books)

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mslaJan 2023

An easy way to learn to see those patterns is through exploring compiler output:

https://godbolt.org/

Other than that, I like "Assembly Language Step By Step" by Jeff Duntemann, which is currently in its third edition and is Linux-only, as opposed to previous editions which were MS-DOS and Linux. He has example assembly code (Intel syntax for NASM, another reason I like his book) for download on his website:

http://www.duntemann.com/assembly.html

My only annoyance is that apparently, even the most recent edition from 2009 is still 32-bit only.

Anyway, beyond that, you'd be looking for information on using assembly language to perform some specific task, like writing vectorized numerical code.

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numbsafariJan 2023

“Programming BASIC Adventure Games for the TRS-80”

“Assembly Language, Step by Step”

Check those out.

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foucJan 2022

I highly recommend starting with the amazing book "Assembly Language: Step-By-Step by Jeff Duntemann" It's 90% about architecture and 10% about actual syntax/coding. Covers both TASM/MASM. There's a few different editions - the earlier ones include DOS specific info.

It's the type of book you can almost read in one sitting. It's that enjoyable.

It's basically the absolute best "beginners" book. Read this first, THEN get into a proper assembly book (that can be more of a reference to the instructions, etc).

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jontroJun 2020

I really liked Assembly Language step-by-step. https://www.amazon.com/Assembly-Language-Step-Step-Third/dp/...

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