CPU8

Name: CPU8
Rating: 4.7 (15 reviews)
Author: Cordova Bay Entertainment Group, Inc

Ben Eater SAP-1 8-Bit Computer

Free · Designed for iPad

15 Ratings
Ages

4+
Years
Category

Education
Developer

Cordova Bay Entertainment Group, Inc
Language

EN
English
Size

170.4
MB

Learn how a computer executes your code while learning about the internal workings of modern computers. Students or software programmers who want to learn how computers work will love this app. CPU8 simulates the SAP-1 (Simple As Possible) 8-bit bread board computer that was famously the star of a series of videos by Ben Eater. Using it, you can control a fully realized computer that utilizes microcode to illustrate the operation of individual computer instructions and their interrelationships with general purpose registers, program counters, memory registers, instruction registers, bus and memory through "control words". In addition, CPU8 contains an assembler that allows you to write programs and convert them into the machine language of the included simulated computer. A full programming manual is included. Write, assemble and run programs using this 8-bit computer to see how the process works from start to finish. FEATURES - Assembler for the 8-bit computer (with manual) - the 8-bit computer simulator - 16 instructions - 3 pseudo instructions - 16 address spaces - control the speed of the simulated computer clock - single step through programs or run to the end - 7 sample assembler programs to get started - links to all the Ben Eater design and teaching videos - A short history of computing through the ages (37 chapters) Suitable for classroom study, independent study or just for the sheer enjoyment of playing with a computer that you can watch and learn from. No individual information is accessed. Oh, did we mention it has wonderful flashing lights!

Ratings & Reviews

4.7

out of 5

15 Ratings

My Favorite App
05/20/2022

I out-pizza'd the Hut
Ever since I was a primary student, I’ve been obsessed with programming. Started with prewritten block-code sites (I was introduced to Code.org and Scratch in a 6th-grade CS class), then progressed to more intermediate languages like JavaScript and C++. After watching a video about Boolean logic, I realized that I needed to learn more about the underlying technology in order to get a deeper understanding of the subject I love.My initial plan was to disassemble random Win32 executables on my desktop, like cmd, but I didn’t really know anything about compiling at the time; all of my attempts ended in failure. Ended up postponing my interests for a few months, until I landed a spot in an IT class. It was the first time that I was intimately introduced to the hardware that makes up a PC, and I instantly became intrigued by the systems and techniques that allow it to function. Began researching the fundamentals of microprocessors and dynamic memory, and I’m currently working on my own 8-bit demo in JavaScript!Ultimately, the biggest struggle in my journey was commercialization. Having to wade through dozens of those awful PowerPoint-style processor diagrams just to find a useful guide was awful. Almost every nugget of information I found on the web was either totally oversimplified (likely designed for marketing purposes rather than to actually educate) or ridiculously complex (circuit schematics for legitimate engineers, not hobbyists like myself). It took me years just to get a solid grasp on the concept of machine code.But stuff like this are what kept me going. Small, yet practical articles and videos created by someone with the same fondness for low-level tech that I possess. Someone who isn’t just trying to make a quick buck, but instead genuinely seeks to inform their audience. They’re like little trail markers, guiding the way for those who dream of following in their footsteps.This is my favorite app. Download it for yourself to figure out why. Even if you never assemble a single program, the information that it contains will last you a lifetime.

Developer Response
This is fabulous! Glad you like the app so much. Hopefully, it will lead you to more assembler based environments and programming.
My Favorite App
05/20/2022

I out-pizza'd the Hut

Ever since I was a primary student, I’ve been obsessed with programming. Started with prewritten block-code sites (I was introduced to Code.org and Scratch in a 6th-grade CS class), then progressed to more intermediate languages like JavaScript and C++. After watching a video about Boolean logic, I realized that I needed to learn more about the underlying technology in order to get a deeper understanding of the subject I love.My initial plan was to disassemble random Win32 executables on my desktop, like cmd, but I didn’t really know anything about compiling at the time; all of my attempts ended in failure. Ended up postponing my interests for a few months, until I landed a spot in an IT class. It was the first time that I was intimately introduced to the hardware that makes up a PC, and I instantly became intrigued by the systems and techniques that allow it to function. Began researching the fundamentals of microprocessors and dynamic memory, and I’m currently working on my own 8-bit demo in JavaScript!Ultimately, the biggest struggle in my journey was commercialization. Having to wade through dozens of those awful PowerPoint-style processor diagrams just to find a useful guide was awful. Almost every nugget of information I found on the web was either totally oversimplified (likely designed for marketing purposes rather than to actually educate) or ridiculously complex (circuit schematics for legitimate engineers, not hobbyists like myself). It took me years just to get a solid grasp on the concept of machine code.But stuff like this are what kept me going. Small, yet practical articles and videos created by someone with the same fondness for low-level tech that I possess. Someone who isn’t just trying to make a quick buck, but instead genuinely seeks to inform their audience. They’re like little trail markers, guiding the way for those who dream of following in their footsteps.This is my favorite app. Download it for yourself to figure out why. Even if you never assemble a single program, the information that it contains will last you a lifetime.
Developer Response 11/27/2022
This is fabulous! Glad you like the app so much. Hopefully, it will lead you to more assembler based environments and programming.
I really want to like this app…
03/15/2021

BasenjiBuddy
This application is impressive, and the developer shows a great deal of passion in the implementation. However, if you are visually-impaired it is completely in accessible. Starting from the main screen onward, there are several obstacles to using it if you are low - vision or blind.I attempted to navigate the developers website, but again the color scheme was too difficult to make that a possibility.It is my sincere hope that these minor design issues can be corrected, because I see this as a very useful learning tool.

Developer Response
As it turns out, the developer is visually impaired. He does the best he can. Sorry the experience is so bad for you. You can also adjust via “Accessibility” in “Settings”. The app will adjust to many accessibility settings to help those visually impaired.
I really want to like this app…
03/15/2021

BasenjiBuddy

This application is impressive, and the developer shows a great deal of passion in the implementation. However, if you are visually-impaired it is completely in accessible. Starting from the main screen onward, there are several obstacles to using it if you are low - vision or blind.I attempted to navigate the developers website, but again the color scheme was too difficult to make that a possibility.It is my sincere hope that these minor design issues can be corrected, because I see this as a very useful learning tool.
Developer Response 03/29/2021
As it turns out, the developer is visually impaired. He does the best he can. Sorry the experience is so bad for you. You can also adjust via “Accessibility” in “Settings”. The app will adjust to many accessibility settings to help those visually impaired.
Nice tool to go along with the build
07/05/2019

LoveOfCountry
Only problem I’m having is there is no sound with your hint videos. The Ben Eater YouTube videos are fine. Tried on two different phones. iPhone X and Xs MAX. Thanks for putting this App out.

Developer Response
The hint videos were not recorded with sound. They are in keeping with the idea of hints. There is a bit more detail at: http://www.peskymooseandsquirrel.com/CPU8Support.html
Nice tool to go along with the build
07/05/2019

LoveOfCountry

Only problem I’m having is there is no sound with your hint videos. The Ben Eater YouTube videos are fine. Tried on two different phones. iPhone X and Xs MAX. Thanks for putting this App out.
Developer Response 07/10/2019
The hint videos were not recorded with sound. They are in keeping with the idea of hints. There is a bit more detail at: http://www.peskymooseandsquirrel.com/CPU8Support.html