Is it possible to compile assembly code in MSVC++?

Question

Is it possible to create, edit, link, compile (is compile the word?) etc. assembly code in MSVC++?

Also, if it's not possible, how can I create an .exe out of plain text, ie: convert the text into whatever format is required to use assembly code, then turn the assembly code into an .exe. (I'd say compile, but I don't think that is the correct word here).

And finally, what are some good places to begin learning assembly code? Written in a way that someone who has little experience can use.

I know some of these questions are probably very stupid, but I have absolutely no experience in assembly code and am not exactly sure where to start.

Answer 1

On x86, yes. You can use the __asm keyword to put assembly inline in your standard source files, and use the normal MS compile/link tools to compile everything together.

On x64 (or x86), you may need to use the ML and ML64 command line compilers for assembly.

Answer 2

Look for information on the C++ 'asm' keyword. It may be compiler specific, but I know VC++ supports it.

Answer 3

In short, yes.

According to Wikipedia, MASM has been shipped with all versions of Visual C later than VC6, and is also available in the Windows Driver Developer Kit. Versions supporting 16-bit real and protected modes, 32-bit, and 64-bit are all supported.

Answer 4

Visual Studio provides the __asm keyword for compiling inline assembly in c and c++. There is also a good discussion here on the use of inline assembly. However if you are just talking about compiling assembly on it's own I'm not sure if Visual C++ is the correct tool however I'm pretty sure visual studio ships with the MASM assembler.

Answer 5

You can use the __asm keyword to write inline assembly.

pcasm-book(pdf) is a good tutorial to start assembly code programming.

Answer 6

Does anyone read the previous answers? Is this the result of involving "points" and a total score ?

Answer 7

Yes, sort of.

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\vc\bin>ml
Microsoft (R) Macro Assembler Version 9.00.30729.01
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation.  All rights reserved.

usage: ML [ options ] filelist [ /link linkoptions]
Run "ML /help" or "ML /?" for more info

You'd use the macro assembler. I don't know if Visual Studio will automatically "do the right thing" with .asm files, though, but you can certainly edit them with it and assemble them with ml.exe.

A good place to start learning assembly language might actually be by learning about reverse engineering.

Answer 8

Some pointers re. useful reading/places to learn can be found here:

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/572818/best-book-to-learn-windows-assembly-programming/