The value of assembler language programmers [was RE: Algol vs Fortran was RE: VHDL vs Verilog]

[Dave McGuire]

On Feb 9, 2010, at 8:34 PM, Ethan Dicks wrote:
> I myself have only ever programmed AVRs in C (including older parts
> that had a mere 2K of code space), but I've done some PIC and MCS51
> assembler in the past 5 years.  Not much point to it usually, though.
> That much optimization is rarely needed in a part that has limited I/O
> and very limited memory.

   That's funny, I find that sort of optimization is required  
*because* the parts have limited memory. ;)  (not arguing about I/O  
though)

   On 8051 designs, I always code very low-level routines that will  
be called a lot in assembler.  Stuff like the low-level UART drivers  
for maintaining serial output buffers and such.  The rest I generally  
do in C.  I rarely write pure-C 8051 programs.

> It wouldn't surprise me to learn that ARM microcontrollers were
> "impossible" to program in assembler.  Workstations turned that corner
> when they went from CISC to RISC - I know very, very few RISC
> assembler programmers, but dozens who have done CISC assembly.

   Absolutely.  ARM is just plain difficult.  Very interesting, but  
difficult.  I won't go there in any serious way...all C on ARM for me.

           -Dave

-- 
Dave McGuire
Port Charlotte, FL