THE ARROWSOFT ASSEMBLER
Public Domain Version 2.00c
User's Guide
The Arrowsoft Assembler Program and Manual are both
Copyright (C) 1986, 1987 by Arrowsoft Systems, Inc.
Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for trying out the public domain version of our
Arrowsoft Assembler. We feel that the best way to alert you, the
programmer, to our fine line of professional products is to let
you use one. Once you have experienced the high quality and ease
of use of this free product, we hope that you will contact us
regarding our other software (our address is on the cover of this
manual).
You will no doubt notice that this manual is not exhaustive; in
fact, it includes the least amount of information we fe 14314x2310o lt we
could include without robbing the program of its usefulness.
There are two reasons for the brevity of this manual: First, we
have targeted professional software developers with our products,
and we suspect that an experienced professional will have no
trouble figuring out how to use the Arrowsoft Assembler with the
information given; second, the program is, after all, free and we
feel that the quality of this assembler will more that compensate
you for the time you spend learning to use it.
Please note that this is NOT a supported product. If you contact
us, we will be happy to discuss our line of software but we will
NOT answer questions about the Arrowsoft Assembler.
Again, we thank you for giving our product a try.
(NOTE: 'Microsoft' and 'Microsoft Macro Assembler' are trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation. 'Arrowsoft', 'Arrowsoft Professional
Assembler' and 'Super Link' are trademarks of Arrowsoft Systems,
Inc.)
OVERVIEW
The Arrowsoft Assembler takes as its input 8086, 8088, 80186 and
80286 assembly language source files and produces relocatable
object modules which may be linked and run under the MS-DOS and
PC-DOS operating systems. The syntax of the input files is a
superset of that accepted by the Microsoft Macro Assembler
(versions 3.0 and later). In fact, most programs written for the
Microsoft product should assemble without modification with the
Arrowsoft Assembler.
The remaining sections of this manual will cover, in this order,
assembler command line options, input language specifications,
linking and execution of assembled object modules, and assembler
error messages.
INVOKING THE ARROWSOFT ASSEMBLER
You may run the Arrowsoft Assembler interactively or directly
from the DOS command line. To invoke the assembler
interactively, simply type
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Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
asm
at the DOS prompt and follow the ensuing instructions. To run
the assembler non-interactively, use the following syntax:
asm source [,object] [,list] [,xref] [options] [;]
where 'source' is a filespec for the source file (default
extension .ASM), 'object' is a filespec for the object file
(default extension .OBJ), 'list' is a filespec for the listing
file (default extension .LST) and 'xref' is a filespec for the
cross-reference file (default extension .CRF). Note that all
filespecs may consist of a drive letter, a pathname, a filename
and an extension. If the object file is not specified, the
assembler will use the source filename with the .OBJ extension.
If the list and cross-reference files are not specified, the
assembler will not produce them. Finally, the semicolon (;) will
force the assembler to assume default values for any unspecified
parameters.
OPTION CODES
The options list consists of a sequence of option codes. These
option codes consist of a slash (/) or dash (-) followed by one
or more letters, case being insignificant. Most of these options
are compatible with Microsoft conventions.
/A Write segments in alphabetical order
/Bnumber Set buffer size
/Dsymbol Define assembler symbol
/E Generate 8087/80287 emulator code
/F Generate 8087/80287 floating point code
/H Command help summary
/Ipath Set 'include' search path
/ML Case sensitive internal labels
/MX Case sensitive external and public labels
/MU Convert labels to uppercase
/P Include Pass1 listing
/S Silent; no screen output unless error
/X Include false conditionals in listing
Many of these command line options are self explanatory; for
whose which aren't, see the descriptions below:
/B Set Buffer Size
Sets the size of the buffer used to hold the source file during
assembly. The 'number' is the number of 1K pages reserved for
use as a buffer. You may set the buffer size to any value
between 1K and 63K; default buffer size is 32K. Note that a
larger buffer can speed assembly of large files considerably.
/E Generate 8087/80287 Emulator Code
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Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
If you are writing programs for use with the 8087/80287 numeric
processor on a machine which does not have the processor, and you
have an 8087/80287 emulator library available, the /E option
directs the assembler to generate code for the emulator.
/F
This option directs the assembler to generate floating point code
for the 8087/80287 numeric processor. Note that programs
assembled with the '/F' option will run ONLY on machines which
have an 8087/80287 installed.
/I Set 'include' file search paths
You may direct the assembler to search up to 5 directories for
'include' files by including a '/Ipath' command for EACH of
them. For example, to set the search paths '\bin\lib' and
'\asm\lib', include the following in your options list:
/I\bin\lib/I\asm\lib.
ARROWSOFT ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE
As we mentioned earlier, the Arrowsoft Assembly Language is a
superset of the well-known Microsoft Macro Assembler Language. We
modeled our system after Microsoft's for two reasons: First, the
language has a flexible and moderately powerful macro facility;
second, and for this public domain project most important, there
is a plethora of third-party books which explain how to program
using the Microsoft product. We recommend that you purchase one
of these guides if you are not familiar with 8086 assembly
language. If you would like to take advantage of the many
extensions to the Microsoft Language we have implemented in the
Arrowsoft Assembler, you must do one of two things: Try to figure
them out for yourself (using experimentation, disassembly or
anything else you can think of); or you can contact us about
purchasing the Arrowsoft Professional Assembler, which includes
the complete documentation. Again, please DO NOT CALL us about
the Arrowsoft Assembler; we will not answer any questions or
provide clues as to how to access the assembler's advanced
features.
LINKING AND EXECUTING ARROWSOFT OBJECT MODULES
The Arrowsoft Assembler produces relocatable object modules which
are compatible with the Microsoft 8086 Object Linker (versions
3.0 and later). This means that programs assembled by the
Arrowsoft Assembler may be linked with other Microsoft
Linker-compatible programs generated by other assemblers and
compilers. If you need more information on how to use the
Microsoft 8086 Object Linker, see your DOS or Microsoft language
manual.
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Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
By the way, we would like you to know about Arrowsofts Super Link
8086/8086 Object Link Utility. Super Link is a full-service
overlaying linker which is fully compatible with the Microsoft
8086 Object Linker, yet much faster and far more versatile.
Contact us at the address on the cover of this manual for more
information.
ASSEMBLER ERROR MESSAGES
An Arrowsoft Assembler error report consists of three parts: A
source file line number, an error number and a terse error
description. In most cases, the error messages, in spite of
their brevity, are self explanatory. We have tried to keep the
error numbers as close to the ones produced by the Microsoft
assembler as possible, however there are a few differances. We
offer the following explainations of our error messages:
0 Block nesting error
You have nested some structure (segments, procedures, structures,
macros etc.) and have not terminated them in the proper (reverse)
order.
1 Unexpected data on line
You have extra (non-comment) characters on the end of an input
line that is not required by the instruction on that line.
2 Internal error
This message will appear only if an error occurred within the
assembler itself. If you see this message, please send an
assembly listing of the source file and any other relevant
information (DOS version, assembler version, etc.) to the address
on the cover of this manual.
3 Invalid symbol type
You have given an incorrect size/type for a symbol. ASM is
expecting BYTE, WORD, NEAR, FAR etc.
4 Symbol already defined
You have multiple symbols declared with the same name. This error
occurs on PASS1 an all duplicates AFTER the first symbol is
processed.
5 Duplicate symbol
You have multiple symbols declared with the same name. This error
occurs in the listing for ALL occurances of the duplicated name.
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Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
6 Phase error
You have an instruction somewhere in the program that even though
it is valid, does not have enough information to correctly
assemble during the first pass. The error occurs because the
assembler gets "out of sync" after it generates different code on
the second pass than it assumed on the first pass. The offending
instruction is usually shortly before the phase error occurs.
7 ELSE is already active
You have used ELSE when the assembler is already processing an
ELSE clause. You could not have another ELSE without a nested IF.
8 No conditional active
You have used ENDIF or ELSE without a preceeding IF
9 Undefined Symbol
You are referenceing a symbol that has not been defined.
10 Syntax error
Your source line does not follow the assembler source syntax
rules.
11 Illegal type for use
The type/size of an operand is incompatible with the way in which
you are using it.
12 GROUP name expected
The assembler was expecting a group name but none was found.
13 Undefined in first pass
A symbol referenced during PASS1 was not defined until after the
referance.
14 Misuse of PUBLIC symbol
You have used this symbol in a way that is incompatible with its
declared type.
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Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
15 Mismatch in redeclared symbol
You are attempting to redefining a symbol differently than it was
originally declared.
16 Illegal use of keyword
You have used an assembler keyword in a way it does not function.
eg: declaring an instruction name as a label.
17 Illegal forward reference
You are attempting to forwardc referance a symbol with a
directive that is evaluated during PASS1.
18 Use a register
A register name is required by this instruction.
19 Register type invalid
You have specified a register which is incompatible with the
instruction to which it is an operand.
20 Segment/Group expected
The assembler was expecting a segment or group name, but none was
found.
21 Segment unknown
You have applied the operator to a variable that has no defined
segment.
22 Invalid symbol type
The assembler was expecting a type (WORD, BYTE, etc.) but none
was found.
23 Symbol is defined LOCAL
You are attempting to define as EXTRN a symbol that has already
been defined as LOCAL.
24 Mismatched SEGMENT parameters
The parameters to a SEGMENT directive do not match those that
were used when the segment was first used.
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Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
25 SEGMENT parameters incorrect
The aling and/or combine types for this SEGMENT directive are
incorrect.
26 Unresolvable reference
You are referencing a symbol which exists, but cannot be resolved
by the assembler. Check for errors in the declaration of the
symbol.
27 Operand expected
The assembler was expecting an operand but none was found.
28 Operator expected
The assembler was expecting an operator but none was found.
29 Overflow or zero division
You have used an expression that either overflows the largest
number that the assembler can handle, or contains a division by 0.
30 Negative shift count
You have specified a shift operation with a negative count. Shift
counts must always be positive.
31 Unmatched operand types
You have used arguments which differ in size or type in an
instance where they must be the same.
32 External use illegal
You have used an external symbol in a place where it must be
resolved at assembly time. The assembler must know the
address/value of the symbol, and therefore cannot process the
instruction.
33 Record field name needed
The assembler was expecting a record field name but none was
found.
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Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
34 Record/field name required
The assembler was expecting a record name or a field name but
none was found.
35 Operand requires size
You have attempted an operation where the assmbler need to know
the size of the operand, but the operand did not have an implicit
size, and none was specified (Use '<type> PTR').
36 Var/Label/Constant expected
The assembler was expecting a variable, label or constant but
none was found.
37 Structure field name needed
The assembler was expecting a structure field name but none was
found.
38 Left operand needs segment
A segment must be specified in the left operand.
39 Constant operand required
You are attempting an operation which requires a constant value
as its operand.
40 Const. or abs. operand needed
You are attempting an operation which requires a constant value,
or a expression involving absolute addresses that can be resolved
to a constant value (eg: symbol2 - symbol1).
41 Incorrect operand type
The operand specified is incorrect for the operation being
performed.
42 Constant expected
You have used an expression than cannot be evaluated to a
constant value in a place where the assembler must have a
constant value.
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Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
43 Operand requires segment
You are performing an operation which requires a segment, and
none can be determined.
44 Applies to data only
You are attempting to perform an operation on code that can only
be applied to data types.
45 Applies to code only
You are attempting to perform an operation on data that can only
be applied to code types.
46 Multiple base registers
You have specified more than one base register in an address
operand.
47 Multiple index registers
You have specified more than one index register in an address
operand.
48 Index or base register needed
You have use a register which is neither an index or base
register where one was expected. (ie: within [])
49 Register use incorrect
The operation you are attempting cannot be applied to a register.
50 Value out of range
You have attempted to use a constant value that is outside of the
limits of acceptable values.
51 Operand not in IP segment
The operand must be in the current IP segment, and it is not.
52 Invalid operand type
You have used an operand which does not apply to the instruction.
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Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
53 Rel. jump is out of range
You have attempted a short jump (JZ, JNZ, etc.) to a target
address which is more than -128 to +127 bytes away from the
current program counter address.
54 Displacement must be constant
You have attempted to use a non-constant as the offset in an
indexed addressing mode.
55 Register value invalid
You have specified a register which cannot be used in this
addressing mode.
56 No immediate form
This instruction cannot operate on immediate data.
57 Item size is illegal
You are attempting an operation on an object having a size that
the instruction set does not handle.
58 Illegal use of byte reg.
You are attempting to use an 8 bit register in a way that only 16
bit registers can be used.
59 Illegal use of CS reg.
You are attempting an operation on the Code Segment register than
cannot be performed on it.
60 AX or AL needed
This instruction requires the 8 or 16 bit accumulator. No other
register can be used.
61 Cannot use a segment register
You are attempting an operation that cannot be performed on a
segment register.
62 No or unreachable CS
The label specified in this jump instruction is not in an
accessable code segment.
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Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
63 Illegal operand combination
The two operands you have specified are incompatible with one
another.
64 Near JMP/CALL must be same CS
You are attempting to near jump to a label which is not in the
current code segment.
65 Can't seg. override a label
You cannot override the segment of this label.
66 Opcode must follow prefix
You have used a repeap prefix without supplying an instruction
opcode immediately after it.
67 Illegal ES override
You have attempted to override the ES register in an instruction
where this cannot be done.
68 Unreachable with segment reg
This label is not accessable with the currently ASSUMed segment
registers.
69 No segment block active
Attempt to generate code or data when no segment is active.
70 Illegal alignment of BYTE seg.
You have attempted to word align (EVEN) within a segment which is
defined as having byte alignment.
71 Override or far needed
You cannot access this symbol without a segment override or FAR
modifier.
72 DUP count is illegal
The DUP count specified evaluates to either zero or a negative
value. DUP counts must be non-zero positive values.
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73 Symbol is defined EXTERNAL
You are attempting to define as LOCAL a symbol that has already
been defined as EXTRN.
74 DUP count is too large
The DUP count value specified would result in generation of a
larger record than the assembler/linker can handle.
75 Incorrect use of '?'
You have used the undefined operand '?' in an incorrect way (eg:
?+10).
76 Too many data values
You have specified more data values than there are elements in a
record or structure.
77 Initialize list required
Use of a STRUC name required an initialize list (with <> angle
brackets)
78 Illegal use inside STRUC
You have attempted to use a statement other than DB, DW etc.
inside of a structure block.
79 Illegal DUP in override
You are attemptin to use a DUP in an override within a structure
initilize list. This is not allowed.
80 Cannot override field
You are attempting to place a value in a structure initialze list
field that cannot be overridden.
81 Wrong type of override
You are using the wrong type/size for the given field in a
structure initialize list.
82 Cannot forward reference seg.
You cannot make a forward referance to a segment.
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Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
83 Self-referencing EQU chain
The EQU symbol cannot be resolved because it references its own
value (This may be indirectly through several EQU's).
84 Cannot emulate 8087 opcode.
You are using an 8087 operation that the emulator cannot perform.
85 Premature end of file
The assembler encountered the physical end of input before an END
statement was found. Ie: Missing END statement.
Out of Memory
Either the source file exceeds the 64K limit of the assembler or
the symbol table exceeds its allocation. If this condition
occurs, try assembling without creating list or cross-reference
files. If this doesn't work, try dividing your source code into
several smaller source files and assembling them separately. The
resulting code may then be linked with a link utility. (Again,
we can't resist pointing out that the Arrowsoft Professional
Assembler uses ALL available memory for the assembly process; in
fact, it will assemble a file of arbitrary size, regardless of
memory limitations.)
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Arrowsoft Assembler v2.00 User's Guide
THE ARROWSOFT PROFESSIONAL ASSEMBLER
Our real reason for giving you this program free of charge is to
encourage you to purchase our commercial product, the Arrowsoft
Professional Assembler. The program you have now differs from the
full program in only three respects: (1) It includes no
documentation for those language features which extend the
Microsoft Macro Assembly Language (although they are implemented
by the public domain version); (2) the maximum input file size is
limited to 64K bytes; and (3) it is not supported via our 24 hour
toll-free help line (in fact, it is not supported at all by us).
With these 3 exceptions, the program you now have is identical to
the Professional Assembler.
If you decide you'd like to purchase the Arrowsoft Professional
Assembler, send a postcard requesting our catalog to the address
on the cover of this manual. Our catalog will show you our
entire line of professional software development products and
will convince you that our quality and prices are as competitive
as you will find anywhere.
CONCLUDING REMARKS AND CREDITS
Again, we would like to thank you for trying our product. We
hope that the remarks we've made concerning our programming
products (Arrowsoft Professional Assembler and Super Link 8086
Object Linker) have piqued your curiosity enough that you'll
write to us for more information. Further, we hope that actually
using one of our products has convinced you of our dedication to
quality and performance. Finally, we hope to welcome you to our
growing family of satisfied customers.
Even if you don't buy anything from us, you can do us a favor.
We want you to distribute this product to all of your friends by
any means possible. You may post it to bulletin boards, offer it
through your computer club or just copy it and pass it around.
We only ask that (1) you charge nothing for the software beyond
reasonable copying and disk costs and (2) that you distribute the
two files (ASM.EXE and ASM.DOC) together and without
modification.
The Arrowsoft Assembler was written by Kaplan 'Kap' Morovitz and
tested by the programming staff at Arrowsoft. Since 'Kap' writes
only in assembly language and C, this manual was written by Stan
Goldwyn-Benton.
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