02 1973AsmRef macro

This document is the MACRO-10 Assembler Programmer's Reference Manual, Version 47, dated June 1972, for the DEC PDP-10 computer system.

The manual describes MACRO-10, a two-pass symbolic assembly program designed to simplify and enhance machine language programming on the PDP-10.

Key aspects covered include:

• Core Functionality: Translating mnemonic operation codes to binary, resolving symbols to numeric values, assigning relocatable or absolute memory addresses, and generating program listings with error notifications.
• Macro Capabilities: A central feature allowing programmers to define new language elements, facilitating code reusability and extensibility.
• Language Structure: Statements are largely format-free, typically consisting of a label, operator, operands, and comments. It defines rules for symbols, labels, and various operators.
• Data Handling: Supports diverse methods for entering data, including different radices (decimal, octal, binary, Radix-50), fixed-point and floating-point numbers, and text input (ASCII, SIXBIT). It also details instructions for reserving storage (bytes, words, arrays).
• Program Control: Provides pseudo-operations for managing address modes (relocatable, absolute, PHASE/DEPHASE), program naming (TITLE, SUBTTL), linking subroutines (EXTERN, INTERN, ENTRY), conditional assembly, and repetition.
• Assembly Output: Explains the generation of both comprehensive program listings and binary object programs in various formats (LINK, RIM, RIM10, RIM10B), tailored for different loading procedures.
• Error Detection: Outlines the assembler's error checking mechanisms, including single-letter error codes and descriptive error messages.
• Operating Instructions: Includes appendices summarizing op codes, pseudo-ops, character interpretations, storage allocation, Radix 50 representation, macro rules, and system operating requirements and commands.

In essence, it's a comprehensive technical guide for developers using the MACRO-10 assembler to write, assemble, and link programs on the PDP-10.