Why is digital data represented in binary?

Binary is a mathematical number system: a way of counting. We have all learned to count using ten digits: 0-9. One probable reason is that we have ten fingers to represent numbers. The computer has switches to represent data and switches have only two states: ON and OFF. read more

Nookkin, thank you very much for the article and the comments. I have understood very well about why computers use binary base. I have a question about the binary base in general. I know it is a bit off-topic, but you seem to understand numbers well, so I hope you answer. I find it misleading about the binary and any other base, how it treats Zero. read more

A binary digit, or bit, is the smallest unit of data in computing. It is represented by a 0 or a 1. Binary numbers are made up of binary digits (bits), eg the binary number 1001. read more