Coding language for BIOS?

[MxPhenom 216]

I am in school studying Computer Engineering and have taken Java and C programming classes already, I am currently in C++. My interest in coding has gone leaps and bounds higher after taking these classes with good instructors, and now when I use software on my systems I am always interested in wondering what kind of code goes into them. Lately I've been playing around in my motherboards BIOS doing some overclocking and tweaking, and was wondering what language is typically used ny Engineers who program the BIOS. Anyone have any idea? I expect it to be pretty low level.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

My guess is it is specific to America Megatrends or Phoenix BIOS (probably C or assembly). For EFI (looks like the tools use C), see: http://x86asm.net/articles/uefi-programming-first-steps/

 

[MxPhenom 216]

My guess is it is specific to America Megatrends or Phoenix BIOS (probably C or assembly). For EFI (looks like the tools use C), see: http://x86asm.net/articles/uefi-programming-first-steps/

That is what I was figuring. C or Assembly. I really like coding in C, so far more then C++.

Reading over that UEFI Programming steps website. Really cool stuff.

 

[BiggieShady]

C is a subset of C++ except in these little examples http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1201593/c-subset-of-c-where-not-examples
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compatibility_of_C_and_C++

basically c code can be compiled with c++ compiler, it won't complain, but the resulting exe can crash Disregard that, lol, anything is possible

 

[MxPhenom 216]

C is a subset of C++ except in these little examples http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1201593/c-subset-of-c-where-not-examples
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compatibility_of_C_and_C++

basically c code can be compiled with c++ compiler

I know, just some differences with C++ I haven't been able to wrap my head around it. Where as coding in just C is pretty easy for me.
I do find myself making coding in C++ a bit harder than it needs to be.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

The main difference in C++ is the addition of object-oriented programming--defining classes which describe objects. Your Java schooling should have covered this or will if you haven't been instructed on it yet.

The link BiggieShady gave shows a lot of the syntax differences.

 

[MxPhenom 216]

The main difference in C++ is the addition of object-oriented programming--defining classes which describe objects. Your Java schooling should have covered this or will if you haven't been instructed on it yet.

It did a little bit. Yeah, the object orientated part is what I need to figure out. cplusplus.com has been pretty much the savior for me.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

C# is a hybrid of Java and C++. Unlike Java and C++, it is completely object oriented. You can't do anything in C# without dealing with classes and objects. You could try downloading Visual Studio Express and playing with C# classes. You should find it familiar to Java and C. It may help you bridge the gap to C++.

 

[MxPhenom 216]

C# is a hybrid of Java and C++. Unlike Java and C++, it is completely object oriented. You can't do anything in C# without dealing with classes and objects. You could try downloading Visual Studio Express and playing with C# classes. You should find it familiar to Java and C. It may help you bridge the gap to C++.

I have a two year license of Visual Studio 2012 Ultimate and 2013 Professional.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Then you have everything you need! XD

 

[W1zzard]

Motherboard BIOSes use C (no C++, no objects) with some assembly for low level stuff.

VGA BIOS uses assembly only for code. Most of the BIOS is made up of data tables which are just structs. AMD also has a token based script language in the VBIOS.

 

[MxPhenom 216]

Motherboard BIOSes use C (no C++, no objects) with some assembly for low level stuff.

VGA BIOS uses assembly only for code. Most of the BIOS is made up of data tables which are just structs. AMD also has a token based script language in the VBIOS.

Awesome. Thanks Wizzard. I should brush up a bit on structs then. I am better after the first week of this semester using them(First week review of C), than I was at the end of last semester when I was introduced to them in my C class. I can make them, but actually using them is where I struggle.