Tiny 8085 Simulator

Inspiration

The idea came from the classic 8085 trainer kits used in college labs. I wanted to recreate that same hands-on experience — but in a simple, accessible way that runs right inside Reddit. The community aspect of Reddit also makes it a great place for enthusiasts to share, discuss, and explore 8085 programs together, turning learning into a collaborative experience.

What it does

It simulates an 8085 microprocessor, allowing users to write, assemble, and execute 8085 assembly programs. Users can view register and flag updates in real time, just like on a physical trainer.

How we built it

Built using Devvit (Reddit’s app platform) with TypeScript, the project includes a lightweight 8085 instruction engine that mimics real processor behavior—from opcode handling to flag updates.

Challenges we ran into

Mapping real 8085 operations into code while keeping it lightweight and readable was tricky. Managing instruction timing, flag logic, and a clean UI within Reddit’s constraints also required careful balancing.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Recreating a functioning 8085 environment from scratch and making it run smoothly on Reddit—no installation, no dependencies—was a major milestone.

What we learned

I learned a lot about instruction decoding, flag logic, and low-level architecture. It also deepened my understanding of building interactive tools inside constrained environments like Devvit.

What's next for Tiny 8085 Simulator

Next, I plan to add a memory viewer, program share features, and game mechanics to improve engagement.

Built With

• devvit
• express.js
• react
• vite