Tuesday 16 February 2010

GCC inline assembler explained

There are times when the Linux Kernel uses inline assembler to either use specific instruction sequences for optimal code efficiency or to use processor features that are not accessible in C (e.g. memory barriers, I/O instructions, manipulating processor state, etc..).

GCC provides a mechanism to enable one to place inlined assembler into C source but to the beginner the syntax can be a little impenetrable. A useful little primer and guide to GCC inline assembler can be found at http://www.ibiblio.org/gferg/ldp/GCC-Inline-Assembly-HOWTO.html

The primer is a little old, but nevertheless it is still valid and very useful.

No comments:

Post a Comment