Assembler Introduction
Duration
5 hours
Overview
The Assembler Introduction course discusses the basics of mainframe assembler programming covering number systems, architecture, instructions, syntax and addressability.
Audience
System programmers or application programmers who code Assembler programs or maintain system related programs and user exits
Prerequisites
Knowledge of programming concepts and experience with IBM z/OS architecture.
Objectives
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After completing this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify types of number systems and convert numbers between them
- Identify the system components involved in Assembler programming
- Recognize coding conventions as they apply to an Assembler program in an z/OS operating system environment
- Recognize the Assembler process and system structures, such as source, object and load units, and program objects
Course Content
Number Systems
Overview of Number Systems
Conversions Between Decimal, Binary and Hexadecimal Number Systems
Data Types - Packed and Zoned Decimal
Signed and unsigned numbers
Code Pages and EBCDIC character representation
System Architecture
Overview of Systems Architecture
Virtual Storage
Registers - General Purpose, Access, Control, Floating Point
Defining Storage and Alignment
Residency and Access Modes
System Components
Program Status Word (PSW)
Assembler Code Mnemonics
Types of Interrupts
Condition Codes and Extended Mnemonics
Assembly and Linkage
Assembler Language - Elements
Syntax Notation
The Assembly Process
Assembler Statements and Syntax
Assembler Symbols
Assembler Directives
Assembler Language - Addressability
Establishing Addressability
Setting and Dropping Base Registers
Address Storage using Base Registers
Module Reusability Options