I have the task to build a disassembler for "Intel HEX" type files, the ones created to be used for a 8051 micro. I need to read the HEX files and translate them to text files (but with mnemonics, like JMP 001, etc). I've heard from some people that this isn't hard to do, but i haven't found any information in the web. Is it viable to do?

Thanks.
propgmr

Hello,
You have heard right. It is not very difficult to decompile/Disassemble the executables to there source in any language or format.
Following are the prerequisites u should adopt with before starting obtain the disassembly.

1. You need to know the Asssessmbler userd to Assemble the particular application so that you know the constraints while asssembling.
2. You have to opt reverse Engineer the code u have in hex (executables)
3. In Reverse Engineering, once you know the constraints and the final, intermediate Representation of the source code in object and executable format you have to apply the constratints to the executables.
4. You havet follow the exact number of steps in Reverse which are used to assebmle/Compile the particular application u want to disassemble/Decompile.
5. Thought it is true that the complete (100% similar source code) is not possible but u can get the one which will functionally ressemble the original one.

cheers..get it done..

with Regadrds
Dadasaheb T. Honde