ASMS

ASMs is an acronym that can refer to several unrelated topics in computing, materials science, and database technology. The meaning depends on the domain in which it is used.

Abstract State Machines (ASMs) are a formal method in computer science for describing computation. They provide a rigorous framework for modeling algorithms and computer systems, using states and transition rules to capture behavior. An ASM can be deterministic or nondeterministic and supports refinement, allowing abstract specifications to be progressively implemented while preserving correctness.

Oracle Automatic Storage Management (ASM) is a data volume manager and file system used with Oracle Database software. It organizes storage into disk groups, provides redundancy and striping, and balances I/O across disks. ASM simplifies storage administration and supports online disk addition or removal, online rebalancing after failures, and tight integration with Oracle databases.

ASM International is a professional organization for materials science and engineering. Formerly the American Society of Metals, it publishes standards and reference works such as the ASM Handbook series, and it organizes conferences, education programs, and networking opportunities for engineers and researchers.

In programming contexts, "asm" commonly denotes assembly language, a low-level language tied to a processor architecture. The term appears in source code comments, tooling, and file extensions (for example, .asm) where assembly instructions are written or processed.

Because ASM is used in distinct fields, context is essential to determine which meaning is intended.