Assembly Todo Backend

A minimal Todo backend written in C and x86 Assembly (NASM).
This project explores low-level systems programming by implementing a simple HTTP server, routing, and JSON-based CRUD operations without relying on high-level frameworks.

Overview

Unlike typical implementations (Node.js, Spring, etc.), this backend is built close to the metal using:

• C for core logic and orchestration
• x86 Assembly (NASM) for low-level operations
• Raw sockets / system APIs for networking
• Manual JSON parsing and serialization

Features

• Basic HTTP server
• REST-style routing
• JSON request/response handling
• CRUD operations for todos:
  • Create todo
  • Read all todos
  • Update todo
  • Delete todo
• Minimal dependencies
• Built from scratch (no frameworks)

Tech Stack

• Language: C + x86 Assembly (NASM)
• Build Tools: Makefile, MinGW64
• Platform: Windows (Win32 APIs / Winsock)

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• NASM (Netwide Assembler)
• MinGW64 (or compatible GCC toolchain)
• Make

Build

make

Run

./dist/backend-win64.exe

The server will start on a predefined port (e.g., localhost:8080).

API Endpoints

Get all todos

GET /todos

Example Response

 [
      {
        "id": 1,
        "title": "Learn Assembly",
        "completed": false
      }
]

Create todo

POST /todos
Content-Type: application/json

 {
    "todo": "Learn Assembly"
 }

Update todo

POST /todos/:id

{
  "id": "gdt2552q"
  "todo": "Learn Assembly"
}

---

Delete todo

DELETE /todos/:id

Why This Project?

Most backend systems abstract away:

• Memory management
• Networking internals
• Request parsing

This project intentionally avoids those abstractions to:

• Understand how HTTP servers work at a low level
• Explore interoperability between C and Assembly
• Build intuition around performance and system design

Limitations

• No persistence (in-memory only unless extended)
• Basic routing
• Minimal error handling
• Works in windows 64 bit only

License

MIT License