Prescription: PR630 Programming (Systems)

Aim of Module To extend the principles learned in the preliminary level course to a fuller understanding of the relationship between the systems programming language and the operating system.

Credits 7

Student Learning hours 70

Prescription Expiry Date Nov 2007


Level and Assessment Schedule
TopicsHighest
Skill Level
Suggested
Assessment
Percentage
1 Language Basics P 25
2 OS Function Calls A 15
3 Macros P 15
4 Directives P 10
5 Sub-Programs P 15
6 Techniques P 15
7 Maintenance Considerations C 5

100


The Student Will

1Language Basics
1LANGUAGE BASICS
P1.1Use an editor to create the source code of a systems programming language.
P1.2Debug programs using dynamic debugging facilities.
C1.3Describe the various addressing modes for the operands available in the language studied.
P1.4Describe and use the various instruction formats available in the language studied.
A1.5Explain the internal storage of data and convert from one format to another.
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2OS Function Calls
C2.1Explain the mechanism used for communication between a program and the operating system.
A2.2Use such a mechanism to:
- perform screen I/O
- perform error handling
- perform communications
- perform memory management
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3Macros
PUse a macro definition language with particular emphasis on the following:
- keyword parameters
- positional parameters
- conditional macros
- use of macros to enforce installation standards
- use of macro libraries
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4Directives
P4.1Use directives to:
- define storage
- define data types and values where appropriate
- debug usage
- document source code
- page titles and HEADERS etc
- form feeds
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5Sub-Programs
P5.1Use sub-programs emphasising their logical independence and using the following techniques:
- correct parameter passing
- stack considerations
- register saving
- concepts of local and global variables
- sub-program libraries
- integration with high-level languages
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6Techniques
PUse the selected language to handle:
- string functions
- tables
- pointers
- condition code setting
- vector tables
- stacks
- segmented programs
- dispatch tables
- interrupt handling
- real number arithmetic
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7Maintenance Considerations
CExplain the special problems of maintaining systems programming language programs.
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