Microprocessor trends

Microprocessors have created a revolution in the application of digital electronics. Although they are viewed within the industry as small-scale computers, to the user the microprocessor system affords a universal programmable component for many control and information-handling applications. However, to obtain the most satisfactory results, we should know which of the many architectures now appearing have the widest appeal; how desirable is it to have many alternative languages and hardware options; what will be the most widely-used technology, and how much will one need to know of the electronics of a chosen system.