Meta-Assembler (MASM) Programming Reference Manual

MASM Usage
2-18
Example 4
EOFADR*
The label field consists of a symbol and a dictionary control character (*).
Example 5
ARG*(1,5)
ARG(1,5)*
The label fields of both these lines have the same effect. The label field of both lines
consists of the following items:
A symbol
A node selection
A dictionary control character
Example 6
TAG,IOG
The label field consists of two subfields, each containing a symbol. The value assigned
to each symbol depends upon its use.
Example 7
TAG,K $DO 10,+K
The symbol TAG will be assigned the value of the current location counter. The symbol
K is assigned incrementing values (1, 2, ...). (See 6.2.1 for a discussion of $DO.)
2.3.3.1.1.Externalized Labels
A label can be externalized (known outside of the program). It is externalized when
placed at level 0 of the dictionary. MASM inserts labels in the main assembly into level 1
of the dictionary. Each asterisk (*) suffixed to a MASM label inserts that label one level
higher in the dictionary.
For example, assume a processing level of 1 for the following line:
TAG* $EQU 6
When MASM encounters this line, it inserts the symbol TAG at level 0 of the dictionary.
This causes the symbol to be known outside the program. Such labels are entered into
the entry point table in the preamble of the relocatable binary element.
7830 8269-001