Binary is the foundation of how computers represent and process . Binary uses only two digits, 0 and , to represent all data and programs and to execute all logic. Due to its simplicity and compatibility with the electronic nature of computers, binary is used extensively in systems. Binary is more reliable for communication because it simplifies the process.
Unlike using varying levels of brightness or other analog methods, binary uses "on" and "off" states, which are less affected by interference, distance, or environmental conditions. Storing data in binary is straightforward. It doesn't require converting between different , making it easy to store data reliably on various media.
Binary aligns perfectly with electrical circuits, where "on" represents a closed , and "off" represents an open circuit. This simplicity is crucial for the speed and efficiency of computers, which use transistors and logic gates to perform .
In binary, the smallest unit of information is called a (short for "binary digit"). A bit can represent either a 0 or a 1. A is a unit of information consisting of four bits, allowing for the representation of numbers from 0 to . A byte is a unit of information consisting of eight bits, enabling the representation of numbers from 0 to .
Some numbers can't easily be represented in binary and need special attention. Negative numbers are usually represented using Complement binary, while real numbers with a decimal place are often represented using floating point . The easiest way to convert a denary number to binary is to use the Base-2 '' technique.
