Binary numbers are a way of representing numbers using only two digits: 0 and
- This system is known as the base-2 numeral system, unlike the decimal system which uses ten digits (0-9). Each digit in a binary number is called a bit (binary digit) and represents a power of 2, with the rightmost bit being the least significant and the leftmost being the most significant. Binary numbers are foundational to computer science because all data in computers, including numbers, text, images, and sounds, is stored and processed in binary form. Essentially, binary is the language that computers understand, using the digits 0 and 1 to perform calculations and represent data.
In summary:
- Binary uses only the digits 0 and 1.
- It is a base-2 system where each bit's value depends on its position.
- Binary forms the basic language of computers and digital electronics.