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Conference hydra::amiga_v1

Title:AMIGA NOTES
Notice:Join us in the *NEW* conference - HYDRA::AMIGA_V2
Moderator:HYDRA::MOORE
Created:Sat Apr 26 1986
Last Modified:Wed Feb 05 1992
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5378
Total number of notes:38326

871.0. "Assembly Language Programming" by DESENG::SPECS (Miguel,from sunny Puerto Rico) Tue Nov 03 1987 10:06

    
    	I have started doing some assembly language programming ont
    the AMIGA. Just some simple stuff, that's why I don't want to invest
    much money doing this. The problem is that I finally was able to
    assemble and compile a small program, but when I try to run it it'll
    immediately GURU.
    
    	I am using a PD assembler from one of the Fish Disks, I bought
    the V1.2 Developer's Update , I have the hardware reference manual,
    the DOS reference manual, GURU descriptions posted in the usenet
    some time ago, but still I'm completely lost as how to debug my
    program other than checking and re-checking the .lst file for
    obvious programming errors.
    
    	I've used development stations in the past, where you could
    set breakpoints, read your memory, single step, etc., but I can't
    recall this tools available for the AMIGA (inexpensively !).
    
    	So my questions to any of you which might have some experience
    assembly prog. the AMIGA:
    
    	1. How can you find out where DOS loaded your program ?
    	2. What PD tools have you used to help you ?
    	3. ANY suggestions, references, pointers will be GLADLY welcomed.
    
    Thanks.
    
    Miguel A. Alvarez
    
    P.S. Feel free to forward this to the USENET. I read comp.sys.amiga,
    but I don't know how (if I can) to post it there.
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871.1ELWOOD::PETERSTue Nov 03 1987 10:2110
    
    
    	I have done some work in assembler on the AMIGA but I have always
    used a debugger ( MetaScope ). There is a debugger called Wack that
    comes with the AMIGA but I have never used it. I have been told
    it requires a terminal connected to the serial port.
    
    
    		Steve Peters
    
871.2Wack it!NAC::VISSERTue Nov 03 1987 10:4115
    re.: -.1
    	Not so. Wack can run through a window or the serial port; in
    fact, there are two versions, ROM wack and (RAM) wack, the former
    of which is automatically invoked through the serial port upon Guru.
    The documentation for wack was on one of the developer's disks I
    received, and might be on the 1.2 upgrade, I'm not sure.  It is
    not freely distributable, as CBM warns, as it might eventually be
    part of the ToolKit product they have threatened to release.  It
    is a very good program from what I can tell (not being a S/W pro),
    as it allows tracing, breakpoints, symbols, in line
    assembly/disassembly, and many other features.  If there's any
    interest, I'll try to post a feature list.  I think there is a
    non-commercial developer arangemnet now from C-A for about $50.00
    through which you'd receive this and other useful programs.
    John
871.3STAR::BANKSIn Search of MediocrityTue Nov 03 1987 13:368
    When we first got our developer's package two years ago, I used
    Wack to debug my assembly code, and I found Wack to be about the
    best advertisement for Metascope that I could come by.  (Which is
    not to imply that Metascope is perfect, because it certainly isn't.)
    
    But, you can certainly do effective debugging with Wack.  Were I
    just starting over, though, I think I'd skip Wack and go straight
    to Metascope.
871.4real inexpensive debuggerVIDEO::LEIBOWTue Nov 03 1987 17:2011
    I have tried to stay away from assembly code on the amiga, but I
    am still interested in others endeavors.  I remember when the
    PD version of Missile Command came out...  Glen Meriman (SP?) the
    Author had a note in one of the menus of the game that said something
    about Missile being written in 100% assembly.  It also said that
    for 5 bucks or so, he would mail a disk with his sources, and a
    PD debugger that he wrote to help him develop the code.
    
    5 bucks sounds inexpensive to me :->
    
    
871.5I need Wack !PUERTO::ALVAREZMiguel,from sunny Puerto RicoWed Nov 04 1987 08:1020
    Re. 1,2,3
    
    	I couldn't find any mention of Wack on my Developer Update disks,
    nor on a list of documentation available from Commodore. Anyway
    thanks for the information.
    
    	I would be very interested in Wack features, better yet, why
    don't you upload it so I can try it myself ? :-). I'll check for
    prices on the Metacomco debugger and see if my wallet can handle
    it. :-(.
    
    Re.4 Mike,
    
    	I do have Missile Command, thanks for making me remember. I'll
    give it a try. 
    
    	On another note, I was reading the last Amazing Computing article
    on assembly programming and the example program has an INCLUDE of
    exec/funcdef.i, but I don't have this file in my INCLUDE's from
    the Developer's Update. Any ideas ??
871.6don't upload wack!NAC::VISSERWed Nov 04 1987 12:258
    re.: .5
    	Wack shouldn't be uploaded since it is not freely distributable,
    as I stated in my previous reply.  To do so violates the rights
    of C-A, and the terms of the agreement whereby it was obtained.
    If you are a developer and can't find it, call C-A.  I believe its
    on the 1.2 Gamma release ToolKit disk, I'll check tonight.  Anyone
    who's not a developer might just try calling C-A and explaining;
    they might accomadate you.