Understanding Binary
Binary is a system of numbering with only two possible values: 0 or 1. It is the foundational language of computers and digital technology, representing data and instructions using a series of 0s and 1s.
Binary vs. Decimal
Unlike the decimal system we use in everyday life, which has 10 possible values (0-9), binary simplifies the process by using only 0 and 1. Each digit in a binary number is called a bit, and a group of 8 bits is called a byte.
Binary in Computing
In computing, binary is used to communicate with hardware and software, enabling calculations, encoding text, and executing commands. Everything in a computer is stored and processed in binary form.
Examples of Binary
– The ASCII system represents characters using 8-bit binary numbers.
– IPv4 addresses are represented using 32-bit binary numbers.
– Images are made up of pixels with binary values for color information.
Case Study: Binary in Networking
Internet protocols such as TCP/IP use binary to transmit data between devices. Each device on a network is identified by a unique binary address, allowing for communication and data exchange.
Statistics on Binary
– Over 99% of all digital devices use binary code.
– Binary is the foundation of programming languages and computer algorithms.
– Data storage devices such as hard drives store information in binary form.
