Is it something like while you are in a delay loop you find you can't do anything else and you think only multitasking will make it possible for the controller to (seemingly) perform several things at the same time

Not a flame, but an observation.

Way too many approach the '51 as a "mini PC". There is no way in hades that the techniques that work for a 512Mb PC are appropiate for a 64kb '51. BUT, if you read some litterature (and, unfortunately, listen to some teachers) you hear again and again "program abstraction" "high level language" applied to the non-abstract and low level purposes of using a microcontroller. Someone around here is developing a computer controlled prostate biopsy taker, and I would not let such a device near me if it works "abstract".

Unfortunately for some, the first requirement for developing good microcontroller devices is to think, not rely on some programming language to do "housekeeping" for you.

I have no beef against ANY language if applied to the right applications but multitasking C++ for a '51 is showing up at the Brickyard 500 in a 2CV.

Erik