z/Architecture Assembler Language Part 1

The Basics

Jeff Bisti

Welcome to z/Architecture Assembler Language Part 1: The Basics, the first course three part series for the z/Architecture Assembler Language.

This course provides an introduction to z/Architecture and the Assembler language, covers binary and hexadecimal arithmetic, the basics of z/Architecture, and the Assembler language syntax. The goal of this course is to give you the basic knowledge necessary to understand the other courses in the z/Architecture Assembler Language series. There are no hands-on labs in this course.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

What's inside

Syllabus

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Introduction

This module introduces the structure of this course and how it will equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a proficient coder of the Assembler language with an emphasis on mastering the fundamentals first, starting from the basics and assuming minimal prior knowledge.

Numbering systems

In this module, you'll learn about fundamental computing concepts including binary, decimal, and hexadecimal numbering systems. You will learn to convert values between systems, perform basic arithmetic operations for binary and hexadecimal numbers, and understand signed binary number representation using two's complement notation in z/Architecture. By the end of the unit, you will have a strong grasp of numerical concepts in computing and be able to navigate different numbering systems, perform basic arithmetic, and comprehend signed binary number representation in z/Architecture.

z/Architecture concepts

This week, you'll learn key concepts in data representation and system architecture essential for computing. You will explore byte storage capacity, compare ASCII and EBCDIC schemes, and understand data items like halfwords, fullwords, doublewords, and quadwords. You will learn about binary data representation, general-purpose registers, and operand addressing through base and displacement. This module also includes long displacement, relative addressing schemes, and executable machine instructions formats, emphasizing the importance of the Program Status Word (PSW). By the end, you will have a strong foundation in data representation, system architecture, and operand addressing for effective computing system navigation.

The Assembler language

This week, you'll receive a comprehensive introduction to Assembler language programming, covering essential concepts and techniques for effective code development. You will learn symbolic name formation rules, format rules for source statements, statement continuation rules, storage reservation techniques, and organization of Assembler programs. By the end of the module, you will have foundational skills in Assembler language programming.

Final Assessment

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in z/Architecture Assembler Language Part 1: The Basics with these activities:

Organize course materials and resources

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Organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams to enhance your learning experience and make it easier to review and retain the course material.

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Sort and arrange your materials by topic or module.
Create a study schedule and stick to it.
Review your materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.
Identify areas where you need additional support and seek clarification.

Review basic computer architecture concepts

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Refresh your knowledge of computer architecture, including binary storage and data representation to strengthen your foundation before delving into z/Architecture.

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Review the basic principles of computer architecture, such as Von Neumann architecture.
Understand how data is stored and represented in binary format.
Explore different data types, such as integers, floating-point numbers, and characters.
Practice converting between different data representations.

Practice binary and hexadecimal arithmetic

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Practice binary and hexadecimal arithmetic to strengthen your understanding of the fundamental numeric concepts used in z/Architecture.

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Review the concepts of binary and hexadecimal number systems.
Solve basic binary and hexadecimal arithmetic problems, such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
Convert binary numbers to hexadecimal and vice versa.
Practice using two's complement notation to represent negative binary numbers.

Four other activities

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Explore z/Architecture instruction formats

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Follow guided tutorials to learn about the various instruction formats used in z/Architecture, which will enhance your understanding of how instructions are represented and executed in the system.

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Review the different types of instruction formats, such as RR, RX, and SI.
Analyze real-world z/Architecture instructions using online resources or documentation.
Write simple z/Architecture assembly language programs using the various instruction formats.
Explore how instruction formats affect program performance and optimization.

Develop a flowchart for a simple z/Architecture program

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Create a visual representation of a simple z/Architecture program using a flowchart, which will help you visualize the program's logic and flow of execution.

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Identify the main steps and decision points in the program.
Use standard flowchart symbols to represent these steps and decisions.
Connect the symbols with arrows to indicate the flow of execution.
Review and refine the flowchart to ensure it accurately reflects the program's logic.

Design a simple z/Architecture assembly language program

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Design a simple z/Architecture assembly language program to apply your understanding of the architecture and instruction set, which will strengthen your programming skills and solidify your grasp of the concepts taught in the course.

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Determine the purpose and functionality of your program.
Design the program's logic and flow of execution.
Write the assembly language code for your program.
Test and debug your program to ensure it works correctly.
Document your program's design and implementation.

Attend an online forum or community dedicated to z/Architecture

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Participate in an online forum or community focused on z/Architecture to connect with other learners and industry professionals, which will broaden your perspectives and deepen your understanding of the field.

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