Although most operations execute on 16‑bit operands, the chip allows manipulation of 8‑bit data as well—an important feature for compatibility with legacy 8‑bit software.
See: [https://wwwyassinebridi.enggithub.auburn.eduio/~syleeasm-docs/ee2220/8086_instruction_set.html Complete 8086 instruction set] [https://www.righto.com/2023/08/datapoint-to-8086.html Tracing the roots of the 8086 instruction set to the Datapoint 2200 minicomputer]
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