When it comes to exciting software, Microsoft Excel isn’t exactly at the top of anyone’s list. It is often seen as a dependable yet dull workhorse of productivity apps, solely associated with endless spreadsheets and budgetary calculations. However, there are rare instances where Excel surprises us by showcasing its hidden potential. YouTuber Inkbox recently shared a video detailing their incredible achievement of building a fully-functional 16-bit CPU within Excel. This article delves into the fascinating world of Excel-powered CPUs and explores the creative re-purposing of this widely-used program.
Inkbox’s video provides a detailed insight into how they successfully constructed a functional 16-bit CPU within Excel. What makes this feat even more remarkable is that the CPU was built without the use of any Visual Basic scripts or plugins, making it easily replicable on any Excel instance.
The foundation of this achievement is rooted in understanding that at its core, a spreadsheet is essentially a sophisticated calculator. By utilizing linked cells and stacking them strategically, Inkbox was able to mimic the input/output functions of a CPU. Through the creation of a customized assembly language called Excel-ASM15, they established the necessary functionalities to load, transfer, and execute arithmetic operations like traditional programs. The end result was a fully-working CPU complete with 128KB of RAM, a 16-color output display, and its own assembly language.
The video posted by Inkbox serves as an invaluable resource for gaining insight into the inner workings and calculations performed by a CPU. By providing an in-depth breakdown of the process, Inkbox manages to make the complex inner structure of a CPU accessible and comprehensible for viewers.
This Excel-powered CPU project offers a unique opportunity to observe the internal processes of a functioning CPU within a program that is predominantly viewed as a productivity tool. By watching the spreadsheet run and interacting with the basic programs included, users are able to experience firsthand the power of a functional CPU, all within the familiar interface of Microsoft Excel.
Inkbox’s achievement showcases the creative potential of Microsoft Excel when utilized in unconventional ways. While many of us have experienced frustration, swearing, and broken spreadsheets while using Excel, this project demonstrates the program’s underlying capabilities beyond its traditional purpose.
By sharing their work on Github, Inkbox has made it possible for anyone with Excel installed to explore the inner workings of a functional CPU. This accessibility allows individuals to appreciate the complexity and power of a CPU within a realm that is typically associated with mundane data processing and formula calculations.
The ability to build a fully-functional CPU inside Excel highlights the versatility and adaptability of the program. It challenges our preconceived notions of what Excel is capable of and invites us to explore its potential for creative and innovative projects.
The construction of a functional CPU within Microsoft Excel is a remarkable achievement that opens up new possibilities for the program. Inkbox’s video not only provides a comprehensive breakdown of the process but also serves as a source of inspiration for those seeking to push the boundaries of Excel’s capabilities.
While Excel may not be the most exhilarating software on the market, this project reminds us that there is more to this application than meets the eye. Excel’s reputation as a productivity tool can sometimes overshadow its potential for creativity and innovation. The creation of an Excel-powered CPU challenges our perception of the program and encourages us to explore its untapped potential.
So, the next time you open Excel, remember that there is a world of possibilities waiting to be discovered within its familiar interface. Whether it’s creating a CPU or unleashing your own unique project, Excel has the power to surprise and inspire. Embrace the Excel-ent possibilities that lie within this often-underestimated software.
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