Software that shows how CPU registers are being used during execution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying software that displays CPU register usage during the execution of assembly language instructions. Participants explore options for both historical and modern debugging tools suitable for various operating systems, including 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit environments.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to recall a specific 16-bit program that displayed CPU registers (AX, BX, CX, DX) while using NASM, and inquires about similar software for modern systems.
  • Another participant suggests that any serious debugger should provide access to machine code and register values.
  • A mention of a built-in debugger called "debug" in DOS is made, although it is noted that it is not compatible with modern Windows versions.
  • Some participants indicate that many high-level language development packages come with integrated debuggers that can show register values.
  • A specific mention of Microsoft Visual Studio's debugger is made, detailing how to access register views and assembler instruction views.
  • There is a reiteration that using Notepad or Notepad++ for coding necessitates the use of a separate debugger, which prompts questions about the relevance of these text editors in the context of debugging.
  • WinDBG is recommended as a free standalone debugger for Windows, noted for its utility in systems programming.
  • A suggestion is made that users of Linux likely have access to GDB as a debugger.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that various debuggers exist for viewing CPU registers, but there is no consensus on a specific software that meets the original inquiry. The discussion includes differing views on the relevance of using Notepad++ in conjunction with debugging tools.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference historical tools that may not be applicable to current operating systems, and there are limitations noted regarding the compatibility of certain debuggers with modern environments.

pairofstrings
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Hello
Can any Assembly language guru help me remember a software name which shows how registers of CPU are being used after execution of each ASM instruction? I vaguely remember that there used to be 16-bit program which showed me names/title like AX BX CX DX and values underneath those titles while I write my program using NASM. I also want to know if such software exists for 32-bit and 64-bit OS.
Please help me remember this. Thanks
 
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Any serious debugger should give you access to the machine code and register values.
 
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I know that DOS came with a very simple built in debugger called "debug"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debug_(command)
Maybe that's the one you used. However it doesn't work on modern Windows versions.
XP was the last version that had the debug program included.
 
Many of the better high-level language development packages include a debugger.

If you still program in assembly, there may be a third-party, non-Microsoft debugger which will allow you to peek under the hood.
 
In a Microsoft Visual Studio's debugger session, click on debug, windows, registers, to see the registers. There is also a window for assembler instruction view. The previous debugger, CodeView, also has a register window and the source window can be viewed in source only, source + assembly, or assembly only. For debug, use the "r" command to display the registers.
 
pairofstrings said:
Hello
Can any Assembly language guru help me remember a software name which shows how registers of CPU are being used after execution of each ASM instruction? I vaguely remember that there used to be 16-bit program which showed me names/title like AX BX CX DX and values underneath those titles while I write my program using NASM. I also want to know if such software exists for 32-bit and 64-bit OS.
Please help me remember this. Thanks

Like Borek said, any serious setup is going to include the ability to watch registers. Just search through the debug menu after stepping into a program.

If you're using something like notepad++, you'll have to use a separate debugger.
 
SixNein said:
If you're using something like notepad++, you'll have to use a separate debugger.

Uh ... huh? What does notepad or notepad++ have to do with using a debugger?
 
phinds said:
Uh ... huh? What does notepad or notepad++ have to do with using a debugger?

Notepad++ is reasonably good for working with code when there is no integrated environment (or you have reasons to not use it). If that's the setup you use to develop your software, you have to use a separate compiler and separate debugger. Been there, done that.
 
Borek said:
Notepad++ is reasonably good for working with code when there is no integrated environment (or you have reasons to not use it). If that's the setup you use to develop your software, you have to use a separate compiler and separate debugger. Been there, done that.

OK, thanks Borek, that makes sense. I've only rarely, and only decades ago, had to work in such an environment and had forgotten.
 
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WinDBG is a free standalone debugger for Windows. _The_ debugger for systems programming and random hacking on Windows, in fact.
 
  • #11
If you use Linux, there's a good chance that you already have GDB.
 

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