This is a two-part text about assembly language programming in the VAX/MACRO language. Unlike texts that are concerned solely with the assembly language itself, this addresses the design of assemblers, macroprocessors, and linkers. Part I focuses on the fundamentals of assembly language programming in the VAX/MACRO language. It is aimed at the beginning assembly language programmer, conforming with current ACM recommendations concerning these courses. Part II addresses the same subjects from a systems viewpoint, most especially assembler, macroprocessor, and linker design.

Architectural specifications can make for dry reading, but this volume should be of interest to at least three types of readers. Serious computer engineers specializing in machine design, application or systems programmers of VAX computers, and computer science or engineering students. This volume provides an example of a successful computer architecture, and how it should be documented. It is a complete description of the machine language interface for VAX computers. And it provides a case study in design and computer organization or assembly language programming.