8bitaligned
8bitaligned is a term used in discussions of data layout and memory access in the context of 8-bit computing. It describes a design principle or guideline wherein data structures and buffers are arranged so that elements align with the natural 8-bit unit of the processor. The term is not a formal standard, but it is invoked in firmware optimization, compiler discussions, and educational materials to emphasize byte-wise access patterns.
Origins of the concept are tied to retrocomputing and embedded systems communities that work with 8-bit microcontrollers.
Technical considerations include the potential performance benefits of sequential byte boundaries on devices where 8-bit reads
Related concepts include memory alignment, byte addressing, and data layout optimizations in embedded systems and compiler