In a world where technology continuously pushes boundaries, an unconventional genius has managed to accomplish an extraordinary feat. A YouTube enthusiast, known as Inkbox, recently unveiled a mind-boggling project that brings together two seemingly unrelated entities: Microsoft Excel and a fully functioning 16-bit CPU.
While many of us perceive Excel solely as a spreadsheet tool for organizing data, the truth is that it possesses hidden capabilities waiting to be explored. Inkbox harnessed the power of Excel’s conditional formatting functionality and embarked on a remarkable journey to create a functional CPU. The most astonishing aspect of this endeavor is that Inkbox achieved this milestone without resorting to Visual Basic scripts or plugins; everything you need is already within the confines of Excel.
One of the standout achievements of this Excel CPU project lies in the development of Excel-ASM16, an assembly language specifically designed to complement the functioning CPU. Excel-ASM16 boasts an impressive array of 23 instructions, supporting variables, labels, and even binary file management. While these functionalities may seem basic to seasoned assembly language programmers, they are truly remarkable within the limitations of a 16-bit CPU existing under the umbrella of Microsoft Excel.
Delving deeper into the details, Inkbox’s video showcases the intricate workings of the Excel CPU. Although the CPU operates at a modest clock rate of no more than 3 Hz, the time-lapsed demonstration provides a captivating glimpse into its inner workings. As you watch the CPU perform its tasks, Inkbox meticulously explains the underlying functions of Excel that bring this incredible creation to life.
It is important to note that this 16-bit Excel CPU project does not serve as a groundbreaking advancement in modern computing. However, it undoubtedly highlights the unparalleled technical expertise and ingenuity of Inkbox. Impressively, Inkbox has generously shared the Excel-ASM16 assembly language and the fully functional CPU, along with sample programs, via Github. This means that intrepid individuals can replicate the project and experience the magic firsthand.
Surely, the practical applications of a 16-bit CPU embedded in Microsoft Excel, limited by a 128×128 pixel display, 16 colors, and 128KB of RAM, may seem limited for daily usage. However, the sheer existence of this achievement is undeniably awe-inspiring. For those who have ever fantasized about “downloading a CPU,” this is an extraordinary opportunity.
To address the inevitable question: no, the Excel CPU cannot run Doom. Nevertheless, it should be noted that determined enthusiasts have managed to push Excel to its limits and harness its video output capabilities to accommodate the iconic game. It is proof that with enough creativity and determination, even the most unexpected tools can be molded for incredible accomplishments.
FAQ Section:
1. What is the Excel CPU project?
The Excel CPU project is a remarkable endeavor that brings together Microsoft Excel and a fully functioning 16-bit CPU. It utilizes Excel’s hidden capabilities, specifically its conditional formatting functionality, to create a functional CPU without the need for Visual Basic scripts or plugins.
2. What is Excel-ASM16?
Excel-ASM16 is an assembly language developed specifically for the Excel CPU project. It supports 23 instructions, including variables, labels, and binary file management. While these functionalities may be basic to experienced assembly language programmers, they are remarkable within the limitations of a 16-bit CPU operating within Microsoft Excel.
3. Is the Excel CPU project a groundbreaking advancement in modern computing?
No, the Excel CPU project is not a groundbreaking advancement in modern computing. However, it showcases the technical expertise and ingenuity of its creator, Inkbox. The project serves as an extraordinary demonstration of what can be accomplished with unexpected tools.
4. Where can I find the Excel-ASM16 assembly language and the fully functional CPU?
Inkbox has shared the Excel-ASM16 assembly language and the fully functional CPU, along with sample programs, on Github. This allows individuals to replicate the project and experience the magic firsthand.
5. What are the practical applications of a 16-bit CPU embedded in Microsoft Excel?
The practical applications of a 16-bit CPU embedded in Microsoft Excel, with its limitations of a 128×128 pixel display, 16 colors, and 128KB of RAM, may seem limited for daily usage. However, the existence of this achievement is undeniably awe-inspiring and offers an extraordinary opportunity for those who have ever fantasized about “downloading a CPU.”
6. Can the Excel CPU run Doom?
No, the Excel CPU cannot run Doom. However, determined enthusiasts have managed to push Excel to its limits and harness its video output capabilities to accommodate the iconic game. This serves as proof that with enough creativity and determination, even the most unexpected tools can be molded for incredible accomplishments.
Definitions:
– CPU: Central Processing Unit, the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer.
– Excel: Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet software used for organizing, analyzing, and presenting data.
– Assembly Language: A low-level programming language that provides a symbolic representation of machine code instructions.
Related Links:
– GitHub
The source of the article is from the blog kewauneecomet.com