A Structured Approach to Assembly Language Programming

A method is described for teaching structured programming techniques to students of assembly language programming. Structured programming, historically, has only been within the realm of high-level languages (Pascal, C, etc.), while a more loose approachone lacking a formal syntax-has traditionally been applied to low-level Manuscript received January 26, 1987; revised July 14, 1987. The author is with Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, IEEE Log Number 87 18357. Toronto, Ont., Canada. programming in assembly language. Borrowing words and symbols from Pascal and C, a simple syntax has been devised, called Pseudo Code, that uses three basic structures: linear, conditional, and loop. Upon learning that all programs can be written using only these three structures, students become convinced of the reduced complexity brought by Pseudo Code. A method is adopted that proceeds from the problem definition to the assembly language program using Pseudo Code as an interim step. Using this method, students at Seneca College in Toronto have successfully developed software in assembly language that would have been too complex for them to attempt without coding their solutions in a structured form.