README.md

Assembler for Hack Computer

An assembler that compiles Hack Computers' Assembly (.asm) file to Hack Computer Machine Code. This project is done as a part of the Nand2Tetris course on Coursera.

The Hack computer is a virtual computer built as a part of the course to build an understanding about the inner workings of a modern computer.

For more information please visit nand2tetris.org.

Note: Please be advised that the file in this repository is a compiled assembler and does not contain the source code.

Running the assembler

Linux/MacOS:

# change directory to the assembler.pyc location

chmod 500 assembler.pyc && python3 assembler.pyc

Windows (Powershell):

# change directory to the assembler.pyc location

.\assembler.pyc

OR

# change directory to the assembler.pyc location

python.exe .\assembler.pyc

Usage

The assembly file path can be supplied in the command line arguements

python3 assembler.pyc [path/to/file.asm]

(OR)

the program will ask for a file location if the argument is not supplied

python3 assembler.pyc
# Output:
# Enter file location:

The machine code for the given assembly code is written to path/to/file.asm.output.hack after the execution.

Areas of improvement

• Implement a better parser. Preferably using Abstract Syntax Trees.
• Implement better anomaly detection and handling.
• Add verbose syntax error messages.