Definition

Noun: 1. A system of representing text, computer processor instructions, or other data using a string of two symbols, typically 0 and 1: Binary code is the fundamental language of computers, where each binary digit (bit) represents a logical state (e.g., on/off, true/false). Characters and instructions are represented by unique sequences of these bits, such as groups of 8 bits (a byte).

Usage

Binary code is used as a direct object or the subject of a sentence to describe the system of encoding information. - As a direct object: Computers process instructions written in binary code. - As the subject: The binary code for the letter 'A' in the ASCII standard is 01000001.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The programmer examined the raw binary code of the file.
  • Every piece of data stored in a computer's memory is ultimately represented by binary code.
  • Understanding binary code is essential for low-level computer programming.

Advanced Usage

• "To be represented in binary code": To have data expressed using the binary number system.
  • All the images on your phone are ultimately represented in binary code.
• "Machine-readable binary code": Binary code that is directly executable by a computer's central processing unit (CPU).
  • The compiler translates high-level language into machine-readable binary code.

Variants and Related Words

• Binary (adj): Relating to, composed of, or involving two things. In computing, it specifically refers to the base-2 number system using 0 and 1.
  • The binary system is the foundation of all modern digital computing.
• Bit (n): A contraction of "binary digit"; the smallest unit of data in a computer, representing a single 0 or 1.
• Byte (n): A unit of digital information that typically consists of eight bits.
• Machine code (n): A closely related term referring to the lowest-level instructions, directly executed by the CPU, which are represented in binary code.

Synonyms

• Machine language: A synonym often used interchangeably with binary code, especially when referring to the set of instructions directly executed by a computer's processor.
• Object code: The output from a compiler or assembler, which is machine-readable code (often in binary form).

Related Phrases

• "To execute binary code": For a computer's processor to carry out the instructions contained in a sequence of binary code.
  • The CPU fetches and executes binary code from memory.
• "Binary code representation": The specific pattern of 0s and 1s that stands for a particular character or command.
  • The binary code representation for the number 5 is 0101 in 4-bit encoding.

Noun

1. code using a string of 8 binary digits to represent characters