adminMACHINE CODE
Machine code is the lowest level programming language that a computer processor can execute directly. It consists of binary instructions that the processor understands and executes.
There are several types of machine code languages and they are ; binary code and aaembly languages.
Binary code consists of 0s and 1s that represents machine instructions.
Assembly language is a low level programming language that uses symbolic representation of machine instructions.
The advantages of machine cide language are as follows; machine code provides direct access to hardware resources. Machine code can be highly optimized for performance. Machine code provides fine grained control over system resources.
The disadvantages of machine code languages are as follows; machine code is specific to a particular processor architecture. Machine code is not portable across different platforms.
Machine code language finds application in the following systems and devices; machine code is used in embedded systems where resources are limited. Machine code is used in operating system development. Machine code is used in device driver development.
The future of machine code language will depend on the advances and development of the following technologies; advances in compiler technology will result in a more improved and efficient machine code generation. Increased use of high level languages will no doubt create a corresponding increased demand for machine code language. Machine code will remain essential for specialized applications requiring direct hardware access.
SOURCES:
- Machine code for beginners by Richard Mansfield.
- The art of assembly language by Randall Hyde.
- Programming from ground up by Jonathan Barlett.
- Computer organization and design by David A. Patterson.
- The element of computing systems by Noam Nisen and Shimon Schocken.
NB: examples of machine code includes architecture specific machine codes; X86 machine code ( used for Intel and AMD processors). ARM machine code (used for ARM based processors). MIPS machine code (used for MIPS processors). Power pc machine code (used for power pc processors).
Assembly languages : X86 assembly, ARM assembly, MIPS assembly etc.
