Hi all, For PCs and X86 architecture we have assembly language. Is it possible to have(design) a computer or a specific architecture for any assembly language that is not X86 assembly language? Thanks .
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16 years ago
computer for JVM
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16 years ago
Not sure I understand your question. Research the difference between a "native compiler" and a "cross compiler" and I think you will be able to find the answers you want.
Assembling X86 code on a X86 machine (to run on X86 hardware) would be an example of a native compiler. Assembling 8051-type code on an X86 machine (to run on 8051 hardware) would be an example of a cross compiler.
-mpm
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16 years ago
Actually, this question belongs on sci.electronics.basics, so I'm crossposting this there and setting followups to there.
The short answer is "yes".
The 80x86 is the _only_ processor that uses 80x86 lantuage - every different type of processor has its own assembly language, from the lowly 4004 to the 68000 and up. For example, I believe the Mac uses some version of the 68000, whose assembly language is very different in architecture from the x86 line.
These days, a lot of people use higher-level languages, which hide the hardware implementation (and assembly language) from the programmer.
Hope This Helps! Rich
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16 years ago
muthuraman.s snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com posted to sci.electronics.design:
Actually, a variety of different architectures exist. Early MacIntoshes used 68000 series CPUs, later versions used IBM PPC architecture chips, currently they have switched to X86 architecture chips. There also also Sun SPARC, there may be remaining HP PA chip devices, MIPS devices (SGI has been a major vendor), SH3, SH4, and SH5 series of embedded devices. There was the NS32000 series, Transputers, and many more, including DEC Alpha, Microvax, and many more.