operation field

The operation field contains an identifier that indicates what type of statement is on the line. The identifier may be an instruction mnemonic or an assembler directive. The operation field is required, except in lines that consist of only a label and/or comment.

In an instruction statement, the operation field contains the mnemonic name of the desired instruction.

	label	operation
	SUB:	nop
	

In a directive statement, the operation field contains a period (.) immediately followed by the name of the desired directive.

		.end
	

In an assignment statement, the operation field contains an equal sign (=). See Chapter 5. One or more blanks terminate the operation field.