everyone works in multiples of 8 bytes. I think that this dominance of 8 bits is a consequence of the internet

I'd put it down to the fact that computer manufacturers don;t make their own memory any more, but buy in standard parts.

However, there can be (rare) machines where the char can be 32 or 16 bits.

But char != byte.

Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
Lingua non convalesco, consenesco et abolesco. -- Rule 1 has a caveat! -- Who broke the cabal?
"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
The "good enough" maybe good enough for the now, and perfection maybe unobtainable, but that should not preclude us from striving for perfection, when time, circumstance or desire allow.

In reply to Re^5: word size by BrowserUk
in thread word size by collin

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