/ˈbuːliən ˈlɑːdʒɪk/
noun … “Algebra of true/false values.”
Boolean Logic is a system of mathematics and reasoning that operates on binary values—typically true (1) and false (0)—to perform logical operations. It is the foundation of logic gates, digital circuits, and computer programming, enabling decision-making, conditional execution, and binary computation. Boolean expressions combine variables and operators such as AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, and XNOR to define logical relationships.
Key characteristics of Boolean Logic include:
- Binary values: everything reduces to 0 (false) or 1 (true).
- Logical operators: AND, OR, NOT, XOR, etc., to combine or invert values.
- Deterministic outcomes: results are predictable based on inputs.
- Wide application: used in digital electronics, programming, search algorithms, and decision systems.
- Algebraic rules: follows principles like De Morgan’s laws, distributivity, and commutativity.
Workflow example: Boolean expression evaluation:
a = 1
b = 0
result = (a AND NOT b) OR b -- result = 1
Here, Boolean logic evaluates the combination of true and false values to produce a deterministic output.
Conceptually, Boolean Logic is like a series of yes/no questions: combining answers using rules determines the final outcome.
See Logic Gates, Binary, Digital, CPU, Combinational Circuit.