To learn assembly - should I start with 32 bit or 64 bit?

Question

I\'m really wanting to learn assembly. I\'m pretty good at c/c++, but want a better understanding of what\'s going on at a lower level.

I realize that assembly relat

Answer 1

but want a better understanding of what's going on at a lower level

If you really want to know everything that's going on at a lower level on x86/x64 processors/systems, I would really recommend starting with the basics, that is, 286/386 real mode code. For example, in 16-bit code you are forced to use memory segmentation which is an important concept to understand. Today's 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems are still started in real mode, then switch to/between the relevant modes.

But if you're interested in application/algorithm development, you might not want to learn all the low-level OS stuff. Instead you can start right off with x86/x64 code, depending on your platform. Note that 32-bit code will also run on 64-bit Windows, but not the other way round.