8-bit computing

**8-bit computing** refers to a class of computer architecture where the processor handles data in 8-bit chunks. This means the CPU processes and transfers information in sequences of 8 bits, or one byte, at a time. Popular in the late 1970s and 1980s, 8-bit computing powered early personal computers, gaming consoles, and microcontrollers. It played a crucial role in the development of home computing and the video game industry, with iconic systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Commodore 64 exemplifying 8-bit technology. Despite its limitations compared to modern architectures, 8-bit computing remains significant for its historical impact and influence on computing and gaming culture.