Binary

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What Is Binary?

In computer science, binary is a fundamental concept and the most basic form of computer code. The binary number system consists of only two numbers: “0” (zero) and “1” (one). Every value can be represented using this system.

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In binary systems, each digit is referred to as a bit (short for binary digit). Each bit can either be 0 or 1, representing no electrical charge (off) or an electrical charge (on). Bits are grouped in sets of 8, called bytes, which are used to represent larger pieces of information like letters or numbers.

Binary is explained as the system that allows computers to perform calculations or store information using a system of switches with two states: “off or on” or “closed or open,” where each state is represented by 0 and 1.

Binary code, the machine-readable language used to run software, is the foundation for how all modern computers work. Computers rely on it to perform operations, typically using millions or billions of tiny switches (called transistors) that can be either on or off. Everything from software to data storage and Internet communications relies on binary code at the lowest level.

Most people, including developers and programmers, do not work directly with binary code. Instead, they use high-level programming languages (HLLs), visual tools, and AI coding toolswhich computers translate into binary. Even tasks involving artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models rely on software and tools that handle binary code in the background.

What is Binary? Definition, How It Works & Uses

Key Takeaways

  • Binary is a fundamental concept and the most basic form of computer code.
  • The binary number system consists of only two numbers: “0” (zero) and “1” (one).
  • Binary numbers operate on powers of 2.
  • Most people, including developers, do not work directly with binary code.
  • Binary in cryptography encrypts and decrypts data using patterns of 0s and 1s.

How Binary Numbers Work

Inside a computer, wires and circuits carry all the information. A single wire carrying an electrical signal can either be on or off, representing two states: 1 and 0. This single wire represents a bit. By combining multiple wires, computers use multiple bits to represent more complex information.

Consider the decimal numbering system. This is the system most people are familiar with and use to learn how to count. The decimal system uses ten digits: 0 through 9 (also known as base-10), to represent numbers. Decimal numbers operate on powers of 10, with the rightmost position being the 1s place (100) and each subsequent position to the left increasing in value by powers of 10 (10s place, 100s place, and so on).

In contrast, the binary numbering system uses only two digits: 0 and 1 (also known as base-2) to represent numbers. Binary numbers operate on powers of 2, with the rightmost position representing the 1s place (20) and each subsequent position to the left increasing in value by powers of 2 (2s place, 4s place, 8s place, and so on).

Binary vs. Decimal System

For example, the number 9 in binary is 1001:

  • 8s place: 1
  • 4s place: 0
  • 2s place: 0
  • 1s place: 1

To convert binary to decimal, calculate the total by multiplying each place by its positional value, then add the results:

  • 1×8=8 (on)
  • 0x4=0 (off)
  • 0x2=0 (off)
  • 1×1=1 (on)
  • Total 8 + 1 = 9

Binary vs. Decimal System

Binary system Decimal system
Example: 1001 Example: 9
Uses two digits: 0 and 1 Uses ten digits: 0 through 9
Also known as base-2 Also known as base-10
Binary numbers operate on powers of 2, with the rightmost position being 20 Decimal numbers operate on powers of 10, with the rightmost position being 100
Efficient for computers (e.g., computer operations, hardware design, data storage) Better suited for humans (e.g., counting, finances, measurements)

How to Convert Binary Numbers Into Text

Binary numbers are converted into text using the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII). ASCII code is a way to encode characters based on the order of alphabetic characters in the English language.

Each letter in standard ASCII (e.g., A-Z, a-z, 0-9) is represented by 7-bits, allowing for 128 unique characters (0-127). Modern computers typically use extended ASCII – 8-bits (or 1 byte) to represent 256 characters (0 to 255), allowing for additional symbols and special characters.

How exactly does this convert binary numbers into text? Each ASCII code can be represented as a binary number. For example, the ASCII code for uppercase A is 65, which corresponds to 01000001 in binary.

Here is an example of “Techopedia” represented in 8-bit binary:

How to Convert Binary Numbers Into Text

5 Free Online Binary Conversion Tools

There are many free online binary conversion tools that can convert decimal, binary, and ASCII numbers to each other.

Examples include:

Binary Uses

Cryptography
Binary in cryptography encrypts and decrypts data using patterns of 1s and 0s. This secures information by transforming it into unreadable formats until decoded.
Data storage
Binary data storage saves information as sequences of 1s and 0s, representing everything from text and images to software files.
Machine learning
Binary classification in machine learning sorts data into one of two categories, deciding between two outcomes: true or false, 1 or 0.

Binary System Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Binary is the standard for all digital systems
  • Computers perform calculations faster using binary
  • Easily represented by electronic devices using on/off states
  • Less susceptible to transmission and storage errors

Cons

  • Binary is difficult for most people to read
  • Operations, like multiplication and division, are more difficult
  • Requires more digits to represent larger numbers
  • Unsuitable for everyday human use

The Bottom Line

The binary definition refers to the most basic form of computer code, representing data and instructions using only two numbers: 0 and 1. This system is the foundation for all modern computing, supporting everything from data storage to machine learning and cryptography.

Each binary digit, or bit, signals an electrical charge – either off (0) or on (1). While it enables computers to perform calculations faster, the binary numbering system is difficult for most people to read and comprehend compared to the decimal system.

Binary is essential to digital technology, enabling efficient operations, secure communication, and advancing applications such as AI and machine learning.

FAQs

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References

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Vangie Beal
Technology Expert
Vangie Beal
Technology Expert

Vangie Beal is a digital literacy instructor based in Nova Scotia, Canada, who joined Techopedia in 2024. She’s an award-winning business and technology writer with 20 years of experience in the technology and web publishing industry. Since the late ’90s, her byline has appeared in dozens of publications, including CIO, Webopedia, Computerworld, InternetNews, Small Business Computing, and many other tech and business publications. She is an avid gamer with deep roots in the female gaming community and a former Internet TV gaming host and games journalist.