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Page 1: The Preludium

What is Assembly?

Assembly, or ASM, is a low-level programming language; one whose instructions (lines of code, mostly) are run without being processed in programmably simpler pieces.  The TI-83+, TI-83+Silver Edition, TI-84+, and TI-84+ Silver Edition calculators (as well as the 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, and 86) all run mainly on the different models of the Z80 processor, some faster, but all of them execute instructions in a mathematically near-identical way.  It is important to note that Assembly is NOT the same at all from processor to processor.  Ex: The Z80 and 68k would have fistfights if each were asked how to eat the same sandwich.

Who should be reading this?

Anyone who wants to can learn to program in Assembly, really.  It's seriously not like some ancient language that only certain prophets can decipher.  Go ahead and try this, and you'll probably have gone several miles before you realize it.  All that I ask is that you don't expect this to progress similarly to Learn Assembly in 28 Days or something else like that.  This guide, I hope, will progress in a way that doesn't create any learning holes or cause the user to think anything's magical.  'Cause it's not.  It's written assuming that you know nothing, so it will gradually get more technical.

What supplies I need?

1. A graphing calculator, especially one of those listed above, will be the cornerstone to this guide.  That's the only indispensable thing, I think.

2. There's going to be a chart that you should familiarize yourself with, but all that you need to know now is that you'll need it.

3. A good memory will keep you from depending on references, the chart I mentioned, and external bodies of knowledge.  It'll help you to learn faster, code efficiently, and know what you're doing.  One of the easiest ways to take in information easily is to be well-rested.

4. Optional things: Only bother with these things if you have a link cable, which is also optional.  I learned Assembly after my TI-84+SE died and never bothered to buy a link cable for my 83+.  I still don't have or need one.

    a. The use of an assembler, a computer utility that reads source code and outputs a file that you can transfer to your graphing calculator, makes code much easier to read, allows comments (helpful reminders of what a line or section of code does)to exist and keeps the source code relatively flexible when making major changes to your program.

    b.  An emulator is a virtual manifestation of your graphing calculator, including both the software and hardware.  If programmed correctly, it can run calculator software.  An emulator is useful when programming in ASM because it allows the user to test his or her programs without risking a calculator crash.  I'm going to try to keep this guide risk-free, so you'll only lose your programs if you forget to archive or group backup copies when you run them.  Setup instructions for a preferred emulator, Wabbitemu, can be found elsewhere.

 

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