Re: The joy of FORTRAN

On 2/26/25 7:22 PM, Rich Alderson wrote:

Lawrence D'Oliveiro <ldo@nz.invalid> writes:
 

On Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:47:15 -0700, Peter Flass wrote:

 

The idea of defining different-sized bytes is a real plus.

 

What they meant by "bytes" was really just "bitfields".

 Look up the original definition of "byte" in the signal processing literature,
and you'll find that "arbitrary bitfield" is the original meaning, dude.
 The restriction of "byte" to "bitfield of a particular size for the manufacturer's
architecture, especially 8 bits" is the odd choice.

   8 bits kinda emerged with microprocessors. Likely
   reflected what was practical to do on the chip
   real-estate plus industry competition. 8008 and then
   everything was 8 bits. The popularity of the Z80
   kinda cemented it.