FASM

FASM

1960

Information

Version:
1.73.30
Size:
1 Mb
License:
0
OS:
WindowsLinux
Architecture:
64-bit

FASM is a fast and efficient assembly language compiler that was created by Tomasz Grysztar. It was first released in 1999 and has since become a popular tool among low-level programmers and operating system developers.

The main features of FASM include:

  • Self-hosting capability (it can compile itself)
  • Support for multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, DOS)
  • Extremely fast compilation speed
  • Small executable size
  • Simple and clean syntax

FASM is particularly useful for:

  • Writing operating system kernels
  • Creating device drivers
  • Developing low-level system utilities
  • Learning assembly language programming
  • Writing performance-critical code

Unlike many other assemblers, FASM doesn't require an external linker and can produce executable files directly. It also includes a powerful macro system that helps programmers write more maintainable code.

The program is free and open-source, making it accessible to anyone interested in assembly language programming or system development.


AspectDescription
General Information  
Full Name Flat Assembler
Developer Tomasz Grysztar
Initial Release 1999
Written in Assembly language
License BSD-style license
Website flatassembler.net
Technical Characteristics  
Type Assembler
Supported Architectures x86, x86-64, ARM
Output Formats Binary, MZ, PE, COFF, ELF
Operating Systems DOS, Windows, Linux, BSD
File Extension .asm
Key Features  
Self-Hosting Can compile itself
Macro Support Advanced macro capabilities
Optimization Built-in optimization features
Syntax Intel-style assembly syntax
Code Generation Direct binary code generation
Programming Capabilities  
Data Structures Support for complex data structures
Memory Model Flat memory model
Symbol Management Advanced symbol handling
Conditional Assembly Powerful conditional assembly directives
Development Features  
IDE Integration Can be integrated with various IDEs
Debugging Support Basic debugging capabilities
Error Handling Detailed error messages
Documentation Comprehensive manual and examples
Advantages  
Speed Very fast compilation
Size Small executable size
Portability Cross-platform support
Simplicity Clean and straightforward syntax
Common Uses  
System Programming Operating system development
Driver Development Device driver creation
Boot Loaders Bootloader programming
Low-level Programming Direct hardware access
Community & Support  
User Base Active community
Resources Forums, wiki, documentation
Updates Regular maintenance
Examples Rich collection of example code
Requirements  
Memory Minimal memory requirements
Disk Space Small installation size
CPU x86 compatible processor
OS Compatibility Wide range of OS support
Additional Tools  
FASMW Windows IDE for FASM
FASMD Debugger tool
Libraries Various included libraries
Utilities Additional development tools