Microsoft Excel is often perceived as a mundane and uninspiring software, known primarily for its role as a workhorse in the realm of productivity applications. People associate it with monotonous spreadsheets, budget calculations, and an overall lackluster experience. However, when someone manages to create a fully-functional 16-bit CPU within Excel, it becomes an object of fascination and intrigue. YouTuber Inkbox has captured this extraordinary feat in a 16-minute video, unveiling the process of constructing a 3Hz 16-bit CPU within the oft-underestimated office app. This remarkable creation encompasses 128KB of RAM, a colorful 16-colour output display, and even boasts its own custom assembly language. The most astonishing aspect is that this CPU was designed without the aid of Visual Basic scripts or plugins, making it replicable on any instance of Excel. Embarking on an exploration of the inner workings of spreadsheets, Inkbox demonstrates how seemingly mundane software can be twisted into performing extraordinary feats.
Unlocking the Potential of a Spreadsheet
Conventionally perceived as fancy calculators, spreadsheets operate by taking input data and producing outputted results. By harnessing the interconnectedness of linked cells, Inkbox was able to push the boundaries of Excel’s capabilities, effectively emulating the input/output functions of a CPU, albeit at a rudimentary level. To achieve this, they developed a customized assembly language called Excel-ASM15, equipped with the necessary tools to load, transfer, and execute arithmetic operations similar to traditional programming languages. The video delves into the intricacies of this process, presenting a comprehensive yet accessible breakdown of the inner structure and calculations carried out by a CPU. Through their innovative approach, Inkbox has managed to replicate the fundamental workings of a CPU within the confines of an application primarily regarded as a productivity tool.
While Inkbox’s achievement is undoubtedly impressive, it is not the first instance of CPUs being integrated into unlikely programs. Minecraft, an immensely popular sandbox game, has witnessed its fair share of extraordinary creations, including the creation of Chungus 2. This remarkable project involves the construction of a fully functional 3D model of a PC within the game itself, complete with a self-built 1Hz CPU utilizing imaginative implementations of redstone. Minecraft offers a relatively enjoyable platform for embarking on such endeavors, as building within the game environment allows for more creative freedom and enjoyment. On the other hand, Excel, with its stringent rules and formulaic structure, presents a different type of challenge that demands patience, discipline, and a unique set of skills.
Inkbox has generously shared the results of their groundbreaking work on Github. This means that anyone with a copy of Excel installed can explore the inner workings of a functional CPU and even experiment with basic programs. Watching the spreadsheet in action offers a rare glimpse into the intricate processes of a functioning CPU within a program that is conventionally associated with administrative tasks and data organization. It is truly fascinating for both technology enthusiasts and those curious about the potential applications of Excel beyond traditional realms.
As someone who has had countless encounters with Excel, I must admit that my experiences have often been challenging. Frustration, self-doubt, and broken spreadsheets have become the norm, leading to moments of desperation and cursing. However, witnessing the dedication and ingenuity showcased in Inkbox’s achievement makes me appreciate the untapped potential lying dormant within Excel. This project serves as a testament to the power of creativity when harnessed within even the most unexpected software. It encourages us to explore beyond the conventional boundaries, pushing ourselves to unlock the hidden potential of seemingly mundane tools.
The creation of a fully-functional CPU within Microsoft Excel is a truly remarkable achievement. It highlights the versatility and adaptability of seemingly mundane software, showcasing the immense potential within unconventional platforms. Inkbox’s project serves as an inspiration for technology enthusiasts and creative thinkers alike, reminding us to question the limits of what is possible and to explore uncharted territories. So, the next time you open Excel, remember that beneath its unassuming surface lies a world of possibilities waiting to be discovered.
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