Original Pong did not have any code or even a microprocessor (falstad.com)

Article summary

The original Pong game did not use a microprocessor, but instead was implemented using digital logic chips and analog components. The game's circuitry has been reverse-engineered and documented, with schematics available online. The article discusses the details of the circuitry and how it was designed. The game's logic was implemented using TTL logic chips and other digital components.

Main themes

• Digital design without microprocessors
• Early computer hardware
• TTL logic chips
• Analog components
• FPGA and embedded systems
• Programming languages and abstraction levels
• CPU performance and optimization
• Digital logic and analog components in modern development

What commenters say

• The original Pong game's use of digital logic chips and analog components is an example of early digital design without microprocessors.
• Some commenters believe that the title of the article is misleading, as the game did use digital logic chips, which are not purely analog components.
• The discussion touches on the idea that as clock speeds stall, developers may need to return to lower-level programming and digital design to optimize performance.
• Others argue that CPU performance is still increasing, albeit at a slower rate, and that other technological advancements are contributing to overall system performance.
• There is a need for better tools and languages for programming and designing digital systems, such as FPGAs and embedded systems.
• Some commenters disagree on the level of abstraction of different programming languages, such as Rust and C++.
• The importance of understanding and working with digital logic and analog components is highlighted as a valuable skill, especially in the context of embedded systems and IoT development.