An interesting question. Isn't ". . . call a subroutine . . . " more generic, so just "subroutine call instructions" or "program linkage instructions" (that one is less clear to me) for the title of that overall group of instructions?
You left out BAKR and PC from your list. Aren't they "subroutine call" instructions too? As is also, for that matter, SVC, though not many of us need or want to code SVC routines. Peter -----Original Message----- From: IBM Mainframe Assembler List <ASSEMBLER-LIST@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU> On Behalf Of David Cole Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2022 11:04 AM To: ASSEMBLER-LIST@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU Subject: Branch-and-Link nomenclature question In Assembler there are many machine instructions that are suitable for calling subroutines: - They go somewhere, - But they also set a register that can be used to return to the next following instruction. These instructions include: - BAL (Branch and link) - BALR (Branch and link register) - BAS (Branch and save) - JAS (jump and save) - BRAS (Branch relative and save) - BRASL (Branch relative and save long) - BASSM (Branch and save and set mode) My question is this... What is the collective name for these instructions? In a sentence such as "Then you branch and link to a subroutine...", I tend to say "branch and link", but I'm always unhappy about that... - Yes, "branch and link" is an accurate description of you're doing, - While "branch and save" is a bit opaque. - However, the phrase "branch and link" is ambiguous and invites unnecessary quibbling. So my question is... What would you say? TIA, David Cole dbc...@gmail.com (personal) dbc...@colesoft.com (business) 540-456-6518 (cell) -- This message and any attachments are intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If the reader of the message is not the intended recipient or an authorized representative of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by e-mail and delete the message and any attachments from your system.
