How about the processor optimization as your 8 bit number needs to be packed and unpacked every time you want to use it?
I you read the responses here, there’s enough ambiguity about the choice of 256 users to maybe put a damper on the reflext to gatekeep computer science from a journalist.
Whatsapp has 2 billion users.
The difference is 16 billion bits compared to 128 billion bits, or about 16 GB and that is just for the number.
When working with big sizes, memory optimization is key.
How about the processor optimization as your 8 bit number needs to be packed and unpacked every time you want to use it?
I you read the responses here, there’s enough ambiguity about the choice of 256 users to maybe put a damper on the reflext to gatekeep computer science from a journalist.