CHAPTER 6

AEDIT-86 VARIABLES

AEOIT-86 has a set of variables that can be accessed by the user. This set has the following characteristics: string variables versus numeric variables, read-only varia- bles versus read-write variables, local variables versus global variables.

•Read-only variables renect internal AEOIT-86 values that you can retrieve but not modify. Read-write variables can be modified freely. Read-write variable assignment can be done only in the CALC command.

•Local variables can be accessed only in the CALC command. Global variables can be accessed in other contexts as well.

6.1 Global Variables

The two types of global variables are numeric and string. The global numeric varia- bles are all read-write. The global string variables can be read-only or read-write.

6.1.1 Global Numeric Variables

The ten global numeric read-write variables (N-variables), are NO-N9, which are 32-bit- numbers. Values are assigned to the N-variables only in the CALC command. To fetch an N-variable. type <FETN ) i, where < FETN) is the "fetch numeric" key (usually configured to <CTRL-N ) ), and i is any digit from 0-9. When AEDIT- 86 is invoked, the N-variables are initialized to zero.

The N-variables may be used in the following ways:

•In any line-edit prompt, e.g., target-string, replacement-string. or GET filename.

The contents are inserted and displayed as signed decimal numbers; leading zeros are suppressed. The conversion is carried out by the line-editing mechanism, regardless of the command currently being executed.

Note that a confusing case occurs when the hexadecimal value of a variable is

interpreted as a decimal value. For example, if N 1 contains the hexadecimal value 20H, which is equivalent to 45 decimal and you type <FETN ) I under HEX Input, the character E (45H ASCII) is inserted into the text.

•As a count (or part of a count) for a command. Count cannot be negative~ there- fore, the absolute value of the N-variable is used. In this case, the value of the N-variable should be in the legal range, 0-65535. The contents are displayed as an unsigned decimal number; leading zeros are suppressed.

•In INSERT and XCHANGE modes. For example, if <FETN ) 1 is typed, the contents of N 1 are inserted in the text in a form that depends on the value of SET Radix. For example, if variable N 1 contains the hexadecimal value 45H, then-

IF SET Radix is alpha: E

IF SET Radix is binary: 1000101

IF SET Radix is decimal: 69

IF SET Radix is hex: 45

IF SET Radix is octal: 105

The value is inserted without a suffix and leading zeros are suppressed.

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Intel AEDIT-86 manual Global Variables, Global Numeric Variables
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AEDIT-86 specifications

The Intel AEDIT-86, also known as the Intel 8086, is a notable microprocessor that played a critical role in shaping the computing landscape. Released in 1978, it was Intel's first 16-bit microprocessor, setting the stage for the x86 architecture that continues to influence modern computing.

One of the main features of the AEDIT-86 is its 16-bit architecture, which allows it to process data in larger chunks compared to its 8-bit predecessors. This capability not only improves performance but also increases the amount of memory that can be addressed, allowing for a maximum of 1 MB of RAM. This was a significant advancement at the time, enabling more complex software and operating systems to run efficiently.

The AEDIT-86 is built on a 3-micron process technology, which was innovative for its time and contributed to its performance capabilities. The microprocessor operates at a clock speed of up to 5 MHz, which allowed it to execute more instructions per second than previous generations of processors. This speed, combined with its wide data bus (16 bits), enables the processor to handle a larger volume of information more quickly.

Intel incorporated several key technologies in the AEDIT-86, including segmentation. This feature divides the memory into different segments, making it easier for programs to access data and improving memory management. The AEDIT-86 also supports a minimum of four 64 KB segments, which enhances the organization and access of programs and data in memory.

Another significant aspect of the AEDIT-86 is its compatibility with the existing 8080 and 8085 instruction sets, which facilitated easier migration for developers and helped the processor gain traction in the market. This backward compatibility allowed existing software to be ported to the new platform with minimal modification.

Furthermore, the Intel AEDIT-86 introduced a powerful instruction set that includes both integer and string manipulation commands, paving the way for more versatile programming. The instruction set architecture (ISA) of the AEDIT-86 supports both high-level programming languages and low-level assembly language, offering flexibility for various applications.

In summary, the Intel AEDIT-86 is a groundbreaking microprocessor known for its 16-bit architecture, advanced segmentation technology, and compatibility with earlier instruction sets. Its introduction marked the beginning of the x86 architecture, which has influenced countless processors and computing systems that followed. The AEDIT-86's features and technologies were instrumental in the evolution of personal computing, laying the groundwork for future innovations in the industry.
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