Which of the following is not an example of pseudo‐instruction ?

2021

Which of the following is not an example of pseudo‐instruction ?

  1. A.

    ORG

  2. B.

    DEC

  3. C.

    END

  4. D.

    HLT

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Correct answer: D

Definition: A pseudo-instruction (assembler directive) is a command to the assembler that controls assembly behavior, defines data, or sets addresses. Pseudo-instructions are not executed by the CPU and typically do not directly correspond to a machine opcode.

  • ORG: sets the starting address (origin) for subsequent code or data. This is an assembler directive (pseudo-instruction), not an executable CPU instruction.

  • DEC: commonly used to define a decimal constant or reserve storage initialized with a decimal value. It is a data-definition directive (pseudo-instruction).

  • END: marks the end of the source program for the assembler. It directs the assembler and does not produce an executable instruction.

  • HLT: halts the CPU when executed. This corresponds to a real machine opcode and is executed by the processor, so it is not a pseudo-instruction.

Conclusion: HLT is not an example of a pseudo-instruction because it is a real machine instruction that generates an executable opcode.

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