Understanding binary code is one of the essentials you must master if computer science or computer programming interests you. Some of you might be aware that binary numbers are made up of ones and zeros. All the technological devices that surround us are built on those two digits. The most basic idea underlying programming and computer science is probably binary coding.1,2 Every computer you use relies on it to function correctly. It is what enables humans to instruct computers and communicate with them.1,2 

What Does Binary Mean?

The binary code used in computing systems is based on the binary numbering system, where each digit only has two possible values, zero or one. These systems employ this code to comprehend user input and operational instructions and offer the user an appropriate output.3

Any digital encoding and decoding method with exactly two potential states is referred to as binary. The digits zero and one are commonly referred to as low and high in digital data memory, storage, processing, and transmission.1,2 

Gottfried Leibniz improved the binary numbering system in the 17th century. A binary digit, often known as a bit, is the smallest data unit in math and computing systems. Every bit only has a single value, either one or zero, and it cannot have any other value.4

The central processing unit (CPU) and random-access memory (RAM) of computers may store binary code, representing numbers as digital ones and zeros. Electrical signals inside the CPU or RAM that are either on or off are represented by these digital numbers.1,5

So, What is Binary Coding?

When a set of symbols is used to represent a number, letter, or word during coding, that symbol, letter, or word is said to be encoded. The collection of symbols is referred to as a code. Binary code is another name for the collection of binary bits used to represent, store, and transport digital data.

By definition, “Binary code is the fundamental form of the programming data that is directly interpreted by a computer. It’s composed of a string of 0s and 1s, and ordered and structured in a way that can be read and executed as part of a larger computer program.

It is the end result of a multistage compilation process that converts source code written in a high-level language into machine code specific to the functionality on which the computer program is performed.6  

All computer systems and processes are built on the binary number system, which makes it possible for devices to store, access, and manipulate any data sent to or read from the CPU or memory. In addition to being the simplest type of coding, binary denotes the smallest amount of data transmitted across the various sophisticated hardware and software systems managing today’s data assets and resources.1,2,5

The binary number system is used by everything that is computerized, including the computers in your automobile and mobile phone. The binary code is responsible for enabling all the documents you create, websites you visit, and even the video games you play. Computers can manipulate and store various kinds of data in and out of computer memory, thanks to binary coding. 

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References:

  1. binary code | Definition, Numbers, & Facts | Britannica. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.britannica.com/technology/binary-code 
  2. Binary Code – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/binary-code 
  3. Full article: ON THE APPLİCATİON OF THE BİNARY NUMBER SYSTEM İN CREATİNG QUESTİONS STRATEGY. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351827677_ON_THE_APPLICATION_OF_THE_BINARY_NUMBER_SYSTEM_IN_CREATING_QUESTIONS_STRATEGY 
  4. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz: How His Binary Systems Shaped the Digital Age. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.inverse.com/article/46587-gottfried-wilhelm-leibniz-binary-system 
  5. Binary Number System | Why Computer Use Binary Number , logic Gates. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.learncomputerscienceonline.com/binary-number-system/ 
  6. What Is Binary Code & Binary Analysis and How Does It Work? | Synopsys. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.synopsys.com/glossary/what-is-binary-code-binary-analysis.html