Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
The binary system is a number system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1, to represent values. It is commonly used in computer science because it aligns with the on/off nature of electronic circuits.
A byte is a unit of digital information that consists of eight bits. It is often used as the fundamental building block for storing and transmitting data.