Itanium(R) Architecture for Programmers is a comprehensive introduction to the breakthrough capabilities of the new 64-bit Itanium architecture. Using standard command-line tools and extensive examples, the authors illuminate the Itanium design within the broader context of contemporary computer architecture via a step-by-step investigation of Itanium assembly language. Coverage includes:

The potential of Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing (EPIC)

Itanium instruction formats and addressing modes

Innovations such as the register stack engine (RSE) and extensive predication

Procedure calls and procedure-calling mechanisms

Floating-point operations

I/O techniques, from simple debugging to the use of files

Optimization of output from open source, Intel, and HP-UX compilers

An essential resource for both computing professionals and students of architecture or assembly language, Itanium Architecture for Programmers includes extensive printed and Web-based references, plus many numeric, essay, and programming exercises for each chapter.