The mention of ‘8-bit’ often brings up feelings of nostalgia for those who grew up in the 1970s and early 1980s. These systems allowed almost everyone to have access to computing for the first time and played a significant role in the development of modern computing. Despite the advancements in technology, there’s still an enduring appeal to the simplicity and accessibility of ‘8-bit’. These systems had a low-level operation that was approachable and offered the ability to interact directly with hardware. Additionally, this era saw a flourishing of hardware and software innovation and entrepreneurship, with famous names like Intel, Apple, Microsoft, and Atari emerging. The 8-bit processors never truly disappeared and continue to be the foundation for microcontrollers in various devices.
https://thechipletter.substack.com/p/the-virtues-of-the-8-bit-era-eight