Introduction - About A68k

The A68k Assembler Next

A68k - a freely distributable assembler for the Amiga
by Charlie Gibbs
with special thanks to
Brian R. Anderson and Jeff Lydiatt
The current versions are now part of the TIGCC project. As such, they will be aimed much more at development for the TI-89 and TI-92+ calculators than at the Amiga. Modifications of this document are marked with (TIGCC)
(Version 2.71.F3w - July 27, 2006)


Note: This program is Freely Distributable, as opposed to Public Domain. Permission is given to freely distribute this program provided no fee is charged, and this documentation file is included with the program.

This assembler is based on Brian R. Anderson's 68000 cross- assembler published in Dr. Dobb's Journal, April through June 1986. I have converted it to produce AmigaDOS-format object modules, and have made many enhancements, such as macros and INCLUDE files.

My first step was to convert the original Modula-2 code into C. I did this for two reasons. First, I had access to a C compiler, but not a Modula-2 compiler. Second, I like C better anyway.

The executable code generator code (GetObjectCode and MergeModes) is essentially the same as in the original article, aside from its translation into C. I have almost completely rewritten the remainder of the code, however, in order to remove restrictions, add enhancements, and adapt it to the AmigaDOS environment. Since the only reference book available to me was the AmigaDOS Developer's Manual (Bantam, February 1986), this document describes the assembler in terms of that book.