assemblyx86eflags

Sub instruction and affected flags on x86: can SUB set SF != CF?


Since documentation doesn't really describe how the flags are affected, I couldn't figure out what's the difference between carry and signed flag during sub instruction, it seems like whenever a < b in sub a, b both carry and signed flags will be set. Is there a case where signed flag will be set without carry (or vice versa) during sub instruction ?


Solution

  • Is there a case where signed flag will be set without carry (or vice versa) during sub instruction ?

    Sure:

    mov al,0xFE
    sub al,2
    

    The result is 0xFC, which when viewed as signed 8-bit is -4. So the SF will be set, buf CF will be clear (carry can be viewed as "unsigned less than", and 0xFE is obviously not unsigned less than 2).