Summary
This episode provides a primer on reading x86 assembly language, which is essential for understanding compiler optimizations. Jason demonstrates how to interpret basic assembly instructions in both Intel and AT&T syntax using Compiler Explorer. He explains key concepts like register naming (eax, rbp, rsp), instruction operand ordering, and shows how optimization levels affect code generation. Through the example of returning a value from main(), Jason reveals how compilers use techniques like register XOR operations to efficiently zero registers, saving instruction bytes compared to direct value assignments.