IIT-Roorkee

Objective

• To design and implement an interactive 8085 microprocessor simulator integrated into the Virtual Labs IIT Roorkee online portal to enhance students’ understanding of assembly language programming.
• To develop a user-friendly front-end using JavaScript, React, CSS, and HTML, enabling sophomores and pre-final year students to input and visualize 8085 code execution seamlessly.
• To create an efficient back-end framework in Java that processes assembly code without server-based compilation, ensuring real-time feedback and a smooth learning experience.
• To provide a visual and practical tool that bridges theoretical microprocessor concepts with hands-on application, supporting educational goals for IIT Roorkee students.

Planning

• Objective Definition:
  The project was conceptualized to address the educational need for a practical tool that visually demonstrates 8085 microprocessor operations, targeting students learning assembly language programming.
• Scope Determination:
  The scope included developing a client-side simulator capable of executing 8085 assembly code without server dependency, featuring a responsive front-end and a robust back-end.
• Technology Stack Selection:
  JavaScript, React, CSS, and HTML were chosen for the front-end to ensure interactivity and accessibility, while Java was selected for the back-end to handle simulation logic efficiently.
• Timeline and Milestones:
  A timeline was established, with milestones including framework design, front-end development, back-end integration, testing, and deployment on the Virtual Labs portal.

Process

• Requirement Analysis:
  Input was gathered from educators and students to identify key features, such as real-time code execution, register/memory visualization, and an intuitive interface tailored to beginners.
• Design Phase:
  A modular architecture was outlined, separating the user interface from the simulation engine. Wireframes were created to map the layout, ensuring ease of navigation and educational clarity.
• Iterative Development:
  The project followed an iterative approach, with regular feedback loops to refine functionality and address usability concerns. Prototypes were tested to validate design assumptions.
• Testing Strategy:
  Unit tests were planned for individual components (e.g., code parser, UI updates), followed by integration testing to ensure seamless front-end and back-end communication.

Development

• Front-End Development:
  The user interface was built using JavaScript, React, CSS, and HTML. React components were utilized to create an interactive dashboard displaying input fields for assembly code, execution controls, and visual outputs like register states and memory tables. CSS ensured a clean, responsive design adaptable to various screen sizes.
• Back-End Development:
  A Java-based simulation engine was developed to parse and execute 8085 assembly instructions. The engine was optimized for client-side operation, eliminating the need for server-based compilation, and included logic to update microprocessor states in real time.
• Integration:
  The front-end and back-end were integrated to enable smooth data flow, with the UI reflecting simulation results instantly as users stepped through code execution. Error-handling mechanisms were added to guide users on syntax or logical errors.
• Key Feature Implementation:
  The simulator allowed direct input of assembly code, provided step-by-step execution visuals, and supported educational debugging, all without requiring external server resources.

Challenges

• Ensuring accurate simulation of 8085 instruction sets posed a technical challenge, requiring extensive validation against microprocessor documentation.
• Balancing performance and responsiveness on the client side demanded optimization of the Java-based engine to handle complex code inputs efficiently.
• Designing an interface simple enough for beginners yet detailed enough for educational purposes required multiple iterations based on user feedback.

Conclusion

• Outcome:
  The 8085 simulator was successfully deployed on the Virtual Labs IIT Roorkee portal, providing an accessible and effective tool for students to explore microprocessor programming. The project met its goal of delivering a server-independent, visually engaging platform.
• Impact:
  Sophomore and pre-final year students benefited from a hands-on learning experience, gaining a deeper understanding of 8085 assembly language through practical application and real-time visualization.
• Future Scope:
  Potential enhancements include support for additional microprocessor architectures, advanced debugging features, and integration with cloud-based analytics to track student progress. The project laid a strong foundation for scalable educational tools within Virtual Labs.