The Language of Computers: Introduction to Binary

Humans typically use the decimal system (Base-10), likely because we have ten fingers. In Base-10, we use digits $0$ through $9$. When we run out of digits, we move to the next 'place value' (tens, hundreds, etc.). Computers, however, are made of electronic circuits that are either on or off. Because there are only two states, they use the binary system (Base-2). In binary, the only available digits are $0$ and $1$. Instead of powers of ten, each place value in binary represents a power of two: $2^0, 2^1, 2^2, 2^3$, and so on.

A single binary digit ($0$ or $1$) is called a bit, which is short for Binary Digit. A bit is the smallest unit of data a computer can process. However, one bit can't tell us much. To represent more complex information like letters or colors, computers group bits together. The most common grouping is a byte, which consists of 8 bits. One byte can represent $2^8$ (or $256$) different values, which is enough to represent every character on a standard keyboard.

Inside a computer's processor are billions of microscopic components called transistors. A transistor acts like a physical switch. When electricity flows through it (High Voltage), it represents a 1. When the flow is blocked (Low Voltage), it represents a 0. By combining these switches into complex patterns called logic gates, computers can perform math, move data, and run software. This is why binary is the 'native language' of hardware; it is a direct reflection of the physical state of electricity.