Assembly Language Step-by-step
by Jeff Duntemann · first published 2000
76% recommend20% neutral4% critical
Why HN recommends it
Friendly, fun introduction to x86 assembly that first explains how the machine works, then moves into programming. Suits beginners, especially those learning on Linux, who want a readable, approachable start.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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A very nice book about assembly programming is "Assembly Language Step-by-Step: Programming with Linux, 3rd edition" (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0470497025). The nice thing about this book is that it guides the reader at understanding how the machine works first, and only then to…
on “A fundamental introduction to x86 assembly programming” ↗…at Waterloo in CS 135 back when I took it (maybe it still is the text?). An introduction to programming that really is an introduction to programming. On an unrelated note, this suddenly reminds me of "Assembly Language Step By Step" (http://www.duntemann.com/assembly.html). Another introductory book I thought was absolutely wonderful back when I read it, but goes about things entirely the opposite way from this book - teaching programming…
on “How to Design Programs: An Introduction to Computing and Programming” ↗I enjoyed Jeff Duntemann's "Assembly Language Step-by-Step". I see there is a 3rd edition. Nice writing style and overall fun read.
on “Where should I start learning Assembly?” ↗An easy way to learn to see those patterns is through exploring compiler output: https://godbolt.org/ Other than that, I like "Assembly Language Step By Step" by Jeff Duntemann, which is currently in its third edition and is Linux-only, as opposed to previous editions which were MS-DOS and Linux. He has example assembly code (Intel syntax for NASM, another…
on “The faker's guide to reading (x86) assembly language” ↗…better achieved by writing a "So You Found Python Easy?" book. C is not (IMO) a good language to teach people that are just starting to program. However, if you wish to try anyway, I recommend looking at "Assembly Language Step-by-Step: Programming with Linux" by Jeff Duntemann. It aims to teach people assembly language as their first language, so you may find it useful.
on “What do you want to see in Learn C The Hard Way?” ↗I would recommend "Assembly Language Step By Step, for Linux!" by Jeff Duntemann -- covers 32 bit only, but is an excellent introduction to assembly language on the Linux platform. I learned assembly language on X86 when he had the DOS edition of that…
on “Best book for x86 assembly (linux)” ↗Assembly Language step by step by Jeff Duntemann remains one of my favorite books overall (not just programming, not just computers). It was updated in the last few years and the 3rd edition remains quite good.
on ““Hello World” in assembly language on Linux” ↗I know this isn't quite what you're asking, but I really recommend "Assembly Language Step By Step, Third Edition" by Jeff Duntemann One of the best 32bit x86 assembly books out there.
on “Ask HN: What's the best resource for learning modern x64 assembly?” ↗For those of you (like me) who suspect that one's programming education is incomplete without some taste of assembly language, the third edition of Jeff Duntemann's Assembly Language Step-by-Step is out now, focusing on Linux and NASM: http://www.duntemann.com/assembly.html
on “The Era of Black Boxes” ↗…much better to get comfortable learning the hard stuff first. At his age, learning to kick a sprite across the screen will seem pretty... childish. I've been reading the new edition of Jeff Duntemann's "Assembly Language Step by Step." While I don't particularly like how he teaches hex (which is terribly necessary to understanding Assembly), the rest of it made me think that it was the book I wish I had when I was a kid.
on “Ask HN: My nephew wants to learn programming. What should I recommend?” ↗…assembly language http://www.menuetos.net/ I haven't done any assembly language programming but I enjoy reading about it because it's good to understand what a computer does down deep. Jeff Duntemann's Assembly Language Step-by-step: Programming with DOS and Linux http://www.amazon.com/Assembly-Language-Step-step-Programmin... is a great book.
on “Ask HN: Do people still program in machine code?” ↗• Jeff Duntemann wrote a book some years ago, Assembly Language Step By Step, that covers Linux assembly language programming: http://www.duntemann.com/assembly.html • Just typing "gnu assembly language" in a search engine will bring up lots of tutorials, mostly produced by colleges.…
on “Ask HN: If you wanted to learn assembly how would you?” ↗"Assembly Language Step-by-Step Third Edition" 3rd Edition by Jeff Duntemann is a great book. It starts with the very foundation and builds up, up to interfacing with C and implementing data structures, still in assembly. Sadly, this…
on “Ask HN: What's the best resource for learning modern x64 assembly?” ↗I really liked Assembly Language step-by-step. https://www.amazon.com/Assembly-Language-Step-Step-Third/dp/...
on “New inline assembly syntax available in Rust nightly” ↗I highly recommend starting with the amazing book "Assembly Language: Step-By-Step by Jeff Duntemann" It's 90% about architecture and 10% about actual syntax/coding. Covers both TASM/MASM. There's a few different editions - the earlier ones include DOS specific info. It's the type…
on “Ask HN: How to begin learning assembler for university course?” ↗