Why Don't Computers Use Assembly Language?

While assembly language remains a valuable tool for certain specialized tasks, its use has declined significantly over the years. Modern computers utilize low-level binary code, or machine code, which is the direct, human-readable form of machine language. This article explores the reasons behind the limited use of assembly language in today's computing landscape and discusses the advantages of higher-level programming languages.

Decline in Assembly Language Usage

Although assembly language is still employed, it is not widely used for general software development. Its expertise and limited applicability make it a rarity. Modern hardware is considerably more powerful than it was in the past, and the cost of programmer labor has increased. Consequently, the use of assembly language has become less frequent, as it is time-consuming to write and requires a level of skill that is no longer common among contemporary programmers.

Why We Use High-Level Languages

Most contemporary developers opt for higher-level programming languages that provide abstraction from raw hardware. These languages are designed to be more convenient and efficient, allowing for rapid development and reduced risk of errors compared to assembly. For instance, C is considered high-level relative to assembly, as it allows developers to see every pointer indirection, address calculation, and value access. However, when compared to languages like Python or Ruby, C is still considered low-level due to its need to manage memory and hardware details.

Use Cases for Assembly Language

Despite the decline in general use, there are specific scenarios where assembly language remains indispensable. These include:

Device Drivers: Assembly language is crucial for writing efficient device drivers, which interface between the operating system and hardware.Boot Loaders: The bootstrap process of starting an operating system often requires low-level code to ensure a smooth transition.Parts of OS Kernels: Certain components of the operating system kernel benefit from hand-tuned assembly code for performance optimization.Microcontroller Firmware: Assembly is commonly used for writing firmware that interacts directly with hardware in embedded systems.

While assembly language is not typically used for everyday programming, its efficiency and control over hardware make it invaluable for these specialized tasks. In many cases, modern compilers can generate better code than a human coder can, leading to a preference for higher-level languages that abstract away low-level details.

Conclusion

In summary, while assembly language still has its place in the world of computing, its limited use is due to its complexity, time-consuming nature, and the availability of higher-level languages that offer better productivity and portability. Nonetheless, understanding assembly provides insights into the inner workings of computers and can be crucial for certain specialized applications.