Before we dive into the complexities of how machines process information, let’s start with the basics: binary code—the language of computers.
A computer operates using tiny switches, called transistors, that can either allow or block the flow of electricity. When electricity flows through a switch, we represent it as 1 (on). When it doesn’t, we represent it as 0 (off).
By combining these on/off states in sequences, we can create binary values:
- A single switch can represent two states: 0 or 1.
- Two switches together can represent four states: 00, 01, 10, 11.
- Adding more switches exponentially increases the number of states we can represent.
At its heart, binary code is a way to represent information using sequences of 0s and 1s. This might sound abstract, but it’s no different from other “codes” we are more familiar. For example:
- Morse Code: Represents letters and numbers with dots and dashes.
- Braille: Represents characters with raised dots in specific patterns.
Binary works in much the same way. It’s a system for encoding information, but instead of dots, dashes, or patterns, it uses just two states: 0 and 1. This simplicity makes it perfect for computers, which rely on electrical signals (on/off) to process and store data.
Representing Numbers
Numbers are one of the simplest things to represent in binary. Each binary digit (or bit) corresponds to a power of 2, starting from the rightmost position. For example:
- The binary number 101 represents the decimal number 5 because:
(1 × 2²) + (0 × 2¹) + (1 × 2⁰) = 4 + 0 + 1 = 5
This positional system works just like the familiar decimal system, but with only two digits (0 and 1) instead of ten (0–9).
Representing Letters
To represent text, computers use standard codes like ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange). Each letter is assigned a unique binary value. For example:
- The letter A is represented by the decimal number 65, which translates to the binary value 01000001.
- Similarly, B is represented as 66 in decimal, or 01000010 in binary.
This mapping allows computers to store and process text by encoding each character as a binary sequence.
Representing Images
Images are made up of tiny dots called pixels, and each pixel has a color or shade. In the simplest case, such as a black-and-white image, each pixel can be represented by a single bit:
- 0 for black
- 1 for white
For more complex images, additional bits are used to represent shades of gray or colors. For example, a pixel in a color image might require 24 bits (8 bits each for red, green, and blue values).
Conclusion
What makes binary code so powerful is its universality. With the right encoding rules, it can represent anything: numbers, letters, sounds, images, and even instructions for the computer itself. The key lies in the code—the predefined system that tells the computer how to interpret sequences of 0s and 1s.
But how do computers use these binary sequences to perform operations and make decisions? That’s where Boolean logic comes in—a system that allows computers to process binary data using logical rules.
In the next post, we’ll explore how Boolean logic gives binary code its power, enabling computers to calculate, compare, and make decisions. Stay tuned!