The system of 0’s and 1’s that a computer uses to translate, store, and process data from input devices is called the binary number system. This system uses only two digits, 0 and 1, which represent two states such as off/on or no current/current in electronic circuits. Each digit in this system is called a bit (binary digit), the smallest unit of data in computing
. Computers convert all types of data—numbers, text, images, sound—into binary code because their internal components like logic gates and transistors operate using two states. This binary representation enables efficient processing, storage, and transmission of data
. In summary:
- The binary number system uses only two digits: 0 and 1.
- Each 0 or 1 is called a bit.
- Bits are combined (commonly in groups of 8 bits called a byte) to represent complex data like characters or instructions.
- Binary is fundamental because computer hardware works with two-state logic circuits that correspond to these binary values
Thus, the system of 0’s and 1’s used by computers is known as the binary number system.
