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What source language(s) are used for BIOS...

Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2003 8:07 am
by bobbym
:?: What language(s)-- if any-- are typically/currently used to write BIOS? For that matter, what languages can be used?

Just curious; thanks! 8O

Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2003 11:36 am
by NickS
Examples: Assembler, C
You need a language which can manipulate the hardware directly and compile to a compact binary image, relocatable if it's a BIOS for an add-on card such as video, SCSI or network.

Know of any further reading?

Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2003 7:51 am
by bobbym
Know where I can find some examples of BIOS written in C, or further literature on writing BIOS, perhaps a journal name? I'm not quite sure where to begin to find info on this somewhat obscure topic.

Since I'm not a professional in this area, I'm not ready to delve into machine language level concepts quite yet. C is something I grasp!

Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2003 3:35 pm
by sulbert
Have you looked at LinuxBIOS and other similar projects?

resources for BIOS education

Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2003 11:49 pm
by bobbym
thanks for the link-- just the thing I needed.

I'm trying to educate myself about BIOS, but have had a tough time finding material that is both on-topic and within my grasp. It seems to me that a solid grasp of numerous (and seemingly increasingly obscure) concepts are necessary. The LinusBIOS source code is a great start.

Ideally I'd be able to find something along the lines of extended commentary/walk-through of an examplar BIOS code. Am I right in assuming that such a thing is difficult to do in any meaningful way without a solid understanding of the corresponding chip architecture? This is tough to tackle in one's free time.

Any strategy tips for developing a comprehensive or practical understanding would be appreciated. I realize this is perhaps more academic than the generally practical discussions at this forum; any pointers to more appropriate learning resources would be great too-- appropriate journals and projects.

Thanks for all the info and leads.