how do you connect ipad 8th generation to computer?

Usually with a Lightning cable. Often the same cable used to charge it.

There are two common types of Lightning cable, one with a USB-A connector, and the other with a USB-C connector.

Older iPad chargers have USB-A jacks, newer and higher-wattage chargers have USB-C jacks.

Older computers have USB-A jacks, and newer computers have USB-C jacks or a mix of USB-C and USB-A jacks.

Here’s the Apple write-up on this: Connect iPad and your computer using USB - Apple Support

USB-A to Lightning: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MXLY2AM/A/lightning-to-usb-cable-1-m

(That’s the one meter cable, and there’s a two-meter length, too)

USB-C to Lightning: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MX0K2AM/A/usb-c-to-lightning-cable-1-m

(Again, 1 m, with 2 m also available.)

It did include a usb cable:

In the Box

• iPad
• Lightning to USB-C Cable
• USB-C Power Adapter

https://www.apple.com/ipad-10.2/specs/

If you don't have a usb C port on your computer, you will need an older Lightning to usb A cable.

phyllisfromkingman wrote:

How do I determine which adapter to order to use with my Mac, there are two sizes, which one should I get?

Two of the blue-text links in my previous reply here are links to pictures of the cables, with the third a link to more information from Apple.

In the blue-text link at the end of this paragraph, Apple has pictures of the various ports used, and—in the text located below each image—the specific symbol associated with each port shown: Identify the ports on your Mac - Apple Support

Given you likely have a USB-C connector to look at with the charger cable provided with an iPad eighth generation model, you'll either need a matching USB-C socket on your computer, or you'll need to acquire a USB-A Lightning cable for a computer with only USB-A sockets.

Or if you'd prefer, you can tell us which Mac you have—use the > About This Mac in the menu—and post both the Mac model and the year, and we can then tell you which ports you have on your particular Mac.

Most older Macs in common use will have USB-A, while most newer Macs will have either USB-C sockets, or a mix of USB-C and USB-A sockets, depending on the specific model and year of Mac.

rachie194 wrote:

I just received my new ipad 8th gen., and the only cable is the charging cable. I find it absolutely reprehensible that you would send an ipad, then specify the only way to transfer data is with a cable, that of course is not included!! Also, why cant I just sync automatically? This is like old school tech, honestly!

This is a ridiculous implementation technique! Not a happy customer right now.

Send the folks that work for Apple your feedback > Product Feedback - Apple

Recent and most (all?) current Apple computer equipment switched from USB-A to USB-C connections, and Apple just isn't looking back at the USB-A connections. I'd expect the remaining Lightning connections will be headed to USB-C, too. And as mentioned, Apple is trying not to ship out equipment which immediately turns into electronic trash.

I just received my new ipad 8th gen., and the only cable is the charging cable. I find it absolutely reprehensible that you would send an ipad, then specify the only way to transfer data is with a cable, that of course is not included!! Also, why cant I just sync automatically? This is like old school tech, honestly!

This is a ridiculous implementation technique! Not a happy customer right now.

How do I determine which adapter to order to use with my Mac, there are two sizes, which one should I get?