Now that we have seen the complexities introduced by MASM and GAS, whether it is syntax or setup complexity, let's take a look at Flat Assembler, a free, portable, self-compiling assembler for Windows and Linux with Intel syntax (very similar to that of MASM, but much less complicated and much more understandable). Exactly the tool we need for easier and faster understanding of Intel Assembly language and usage thereof.
In addition to support for various executable file formats (DOS COM files to begin with, through Windows PE (both 32 bit and 64 bit) and up to ELF (both 32 bit and 64 bit)), FASM has a very powerful macro engine, which we will definitely take advantage of. Not to mention the fact that FASM can be easily integrated into existing development environments for more complex projects.