Assembly language mnemonics (8080/8085 examples): Assembly is written with human-readable mnemonics such as MVI, DCR, and JZ that an assembler translates into machine code.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Assembly language bridges human readability and machine execution. Instead of numeric opcodes, programmers use mnemonic abbreviations that are easy to remember and correspond to specific machine instructions. Classic 8-bit processors like the Intel 8080/8085 popularized mnemonics such as MVI (move immediate), DCR (decrement), and JZ (jump if zero).


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • An assembler is available to convert mnemonics to opcodes.
  • Examples MVI, DCR, JZ are recognized mnemonics on 8080/8085.
  • Target output is machine code (binary object) executable by the CPU.


Concept / Approach:
Assembly mnemonics map one-to-one (or via defined encodings) to instructions. The assembler resolves symbols, encodes opcodes and operands, manages addresses/labels, and emits binary suitable for PROM/flash or loaders. This is universal across architectures, whether CISC or RISC, 8-bit or 64-bit, though exact mnemonics vary by ISA.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Write source using mnemonics (e.g., MVI A, 3AH; DCR B; JZ LOOP).Run assembler → translate to opcodes + immediate/data bytes.Load the binary into memory; CPU executes the encoded instructions.


Verification / Alternative check:
Comparing assembler listings shows each mnemonic and its hex opcode bytes. Emulators or debuggers can disassemble the binary back to mnemonics, confirming the mapping.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Incorrect: Assemblers do this by definition.
  • Only true for RISC or macro assemblers: Both CISC and RISC use mnemonics; macros are optional and orthogonal.
  • Valid only for 32-bit code: Works for all word sizes.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming mnemonics are portable across ISAs; confusing assembler directives (e.g., ORG, DB) with executable instructions; forgetting that different assemblers may use slightly different syntax conventions.


Final Answer:
Correct

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