Understanding NASM Syntax

NASM uses its own clear and straightforward syntax. Each line in a NASM program typically contains a label, instruction, operands, and sometimes comments.

Basic Structure

• Labels: Used as addresses for jumps and loops (e.g., start:)
• Instructions: The actual CPU operations (e.g., mov, add, jmp)
• Operands: The targets or sources for instructions (e.g., registers, numbers)
• Comments: Notes for humans, starting with ;

Sections in NASM

• .data section: For declaring and initializing data
• .bss section: For declaring variables without initial values
• .text section: Where your program's instructions go

Example Layout

section .data
    myVar db 10          ; define a variable

section .text
    global _start
_start:
    mov eax, myVar
    ; your code here

Best Practices

• Keep comments clear to help others (and future you!)
• Use labels wisely for readability
• Structure your code into logical sections

Dive in and start experimenting — NASM syntax is your new secret code!