/ˈbaɪnəri/
adjective … “Based on two discrete values, 0 and 1.”
Binary refers to a number system, representation, or data encoding that uses only two symbols, typically 0 and 1. In computing, binary underlies all digital systems, as digital signals, memory storage, and logic circuits operate on two-state systems. Binary representation enables efficient computation, storage, and communication of information using simple, reliable hardware components.
Key characteristics of Binary include:
- Two-state system: values are either 0 (off/false) or 1 (on/true).
- Foundation of digital logic: used in logic gates, flip-flops, and CPUs.
- Ease of processing: simple arithmetic and bitwise operations are supported natively.
- Representation of complex data: sequences of binary digits (bits) encode numbers, characters, images, and instructions.
- Compatibility: binary data can be transmitted, stored, and processed reliably in electronic systems.
Workflow example: Binary addition:
0b1010 + 0b0111 = 0b10001
-- 1010 (10 decimal) + 0111 (7 decimal) = 10001 (17 decimal)
Here, numbers are represented in binary and arithmetic is performed at the bit level, as in all digital computation.
Conceptually, Binary is like a series of light switches: each switch is either off or on, and combinations of switches encode information or control systems.
See Digital, Logic Gates, Bit, CPU, Memory.