Assembly vs. high-level language clarification: The mnemonics “LDA addr” and “STA addr” are Fortran language instructions stored in an external memory IC for a microprocessor. Evaluate this statement.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Incorrect

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Microprocessor instruction sets are executed via machine code, with human-readable mnemonics provided by assembly language. High-level languages such as Fortran are compiled into machine code; they do not use processor-specific mnemonics like “LDA” or “STA” in source form.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • LDA addr typically means “load accumulator from memory address.”
  • STA addr typically means “store accumulator to memory address.”
  • These mnemonics are traditional for 8-bit families (e.g., 8085, 6502) and others.


Concept / Approach:
Fortran uses English-like mathematical statements, not CPU-specific opcodes. Assemblers translate mnemonics such as LDA/STA into machine opcodes. Therefore, labeling LDA/STA as Fortran is incorrect; they are assembly instructions.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify LDA/STA as assembly mnemonics.Note that Fortran source uses higher-level constructs (e.g., variable assignments, DO loops) without exposing CPU mnemonics.Assemblers convert mnemonics to machine code; compilers convert Fortran to machine code.Thus, the statement is incorrect.


Verification / Alternative check:

Check any assembly reference manual; LDA/STA entries appear under the processor’s ISA, not in a Fortran manual.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Correct: Would wrongly assert LDA/STA belong to Fortran.Valid only for 16-bit processors / Applies to macro assemblers only: Irrelevant; the mnemonics are assembly regardless of data width or macro usage.


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing embedded assembly listings within high-level projects with the high-level language itself.Assuming any mnemonic-like token is a high-level language statement.


Final Answer:

Incorrect

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