Binary Data
How modern computers use binary to represent digital and analog data
Terms Used in this Section
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Binary | Base 2 numbers. |
| Decimal | Base 10 numbers. |
| Hex or Hexadecimal | Base 16 numbers. |
| Place or Place Value | Value of a single number in multi-symbol value. Example: In the number 12345, the Place Value if the 3 is 300. |
| Signed | Numbers that represent negative, zero, and positive values. |
| Symbols | Written characters used to depict numbers. Symbols represent to represent Decimal are 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9. |
| Unsigned | Numbers that represent only zero and positive values. |
Introduction
Binary is used to represent both numeric and non-numeric data, with the same hardware handling storage and processing. While modern computer architectures follow common standards, they can differ in how data is stored and processed based on their intended use
For example, a system designed for scientific computing or graphics processing may be optimized to handle mathematical operations more efficiently
A system designed for data verification and distribution prioritizes data integrity and efficient transfer processing over scientific precision
When representing data in binary, it's important to remember that bits hold universal values. Their meaning only becomes relevant when the system processes them through a specific operation
In essence, bits are just bits until they are used
Only then do they take on a type and follow specific rules for operations
Representing Numbers in Binary
Discover how binary is applied to modern computer hardware/software to represent base 10 numeric information.
Including Unsigned and Signed Integers, and Fractional numbers.
Representing Non-Numeric Data in Binary
Learn how binary is encoded in various formats to represent text and other non-numeric data.
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