ARM64 Assembly: Arrays and Matrices Explained with QEMU User #raspberrypi #assembly #datastructures

ARM64 Assembly: Arrays and Matrices Explained with QEMU User #raspberrypi #assembly #datastructures

Introduction to Static Data Structures: Arrays and Matrices

Overview of Arrays and Matrices

  • The video introduces static data structures, specifically one-dimensional arrays and two-dimensional matrices.
  • It utilizes Chemuza, a user space emulator for the ARM 64 architecture, to demonstrate examples without needing a guest system.

Example 45: Array Sum Implementation

  • The file 45_array_sum.s is edited using nano, featuring global directives and an external function ittower.
  • An array of type word with 10 elements is declared in the data section; a buffer for printing is set up in the BSS section.
  • A loop structure is implemented to sum the array values, utilizing registers X4 (counter), X5 (sum), and CBZ for condition checking.

Execution Steps for Array Sum

  • Commands are executed in Chemuza to assemble and link object files necessary for execution.
  • The final executable prints the sum of the array, which totals 446.

Understanding Matrices at Low Level

Example 46: Matrix Determinant Calculation

  • The video transitions to matrices stored sequentially without indices, emphasizing row-major order access through a specific formula.
  • In 46_matrix.s, a matrix of size 2x2 is declared along with its buffer; indices are initialized for calculations.

Offset Functionality in Matrix Operations

  • An offset function calculates memory addresses based on row-major indexing; results are stored in registers X11 and X12 after invoking this function twice.

Final Steps in Determinant Calculation

  • Multiplication operations between matrix values yield intermediate results stored in registers X13 (variable A) and X14 (variable B).
  • The determinant is calculated by subtracting these variables; results are prepared for output as character strings before printing.

Conclusion of Video Content

  • The final executable named 46_matrix contains all necessary components to run successfully within Chemuza, yielding an output result of 390.
Video description

Learn how arrays and matrices work at low level using ARM64 assembly and QEMU User 🧠⚙️ We implement array sums, matrix determinants, and row-major addressing step by step. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to static data structures 00:10 QEMU User overview 00:30 Example 45: Array sum in ARM64 02:10 Assembly, linking, and execution 03:00 Example 46: Matrices and row-major order 06:40 Assembly, linking, and execution 07:20 Final thoughts #ARM64 #AssemblyLanguage #QEMU #AArch64 #LowLevelProgramming #SystemsProgramming #LinuxAssembly #ComputerArchitecture #EmbeddedLinux #ProgrammingTutorial