Comparing the Z80 and 6502 to Their Relatives
10 hours ago
- #assembly programming
- #CPU architecture comparison
- #retro computing
- The author created a Z80 version of an LZ4 decompressor, leading to the development of implementations for other CPUs including Intel 8080, 8086, and 6502.
- The article compares CPU architectures, highlighting the Z80's evolution from the 8080, the 8086's 16-bit design, and differences with the 6502 and 6800/6809.
- Key differences include memory access methods, register capabilities, and instruction sets, influencing programming styles and optimization strategies.
- Toolkits for development are recommended for each CPU, such as Pasmo for 8080, NASM for 8086, and asm6809 for 6809.
- The author reflects on personal experience transitioning between 'sixer' (6502/68xx) and 'eighter' (8080/Z80) programming models, offering advice for each.