Binary Code

What Does Binary Code Mean?

Binary code is the most simplistic form of data. It is represented entirely by a binary system of digits consisting of a string of consecutive zeros and ones. Binary code is often associated with machine code in that binary sets can be combined to form raw code, which is interpreted by a computer or other piece of hardware.

Advertisements

Techopedia Explains Binary Code

Machine code uses sets of binary digits to form instructions. Along with being the most basic form of code, binary also represents the smallest amount of data that flows through all of the various complex hardware and software systems handling today’s data resources and assets. The smallest amount of data is called a bit, and is represented by either a one or a zero. Ongoing strings of these bits become the code or data that is interpreted by a computer.

The nature of binary code and binary data is an interesting part of the fundamental world of IT. It is most familiar to those who work behind the scenes to create today's user-oriented technologies, which often keep all kinds of computer code hidden from users.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Computer Science Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…