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
A binary digit, or bit, is the fundamental unit of data in computers that can hold either a value of 0 or 1. It is the basic building block for all digital information processing.
A byte is a group of 8 binary digits (bits). It is commonly used to represent characters in computer systems.
Binary Number System: The binary number system is a base-2 numeral system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1. It is widely used in computer science because it directly corresponds to the on/off states represented by bits.
Bitwise Operation: A bitwise operation operates on individual bits within one or more binary values. These operations include logical AND, OR, XOR, and shift operations that manipulate bits at the most granular level.