The point is that if we can put binary directly into RAM, then what is assembly if not a programming language? Assembly is source code in a programming language that is turned into binary by a compiler called an assembler.

If you don’t feel that toggling the binary 16-bit words into RAM demonstrates that binary is what actually runs on the hardware, and that assembly is source code for a binary, well ok. I find it persuasive.

assembly language is a language.

machine code is a language.

they are isomorphic, but different. assembly language (source) converts to machine code (destination).

assembly is... source. code.

machine language is not, unless you consider vliw or microcode, useful to think about but doesn't extend the analogy already in place.

> assembly is... source. code.

I never said otherwise. I think we're talking past each other, so I'm out.