What Is Binary Code?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Learn what binary code is, how it works, and the role it plays in the digital communication processes.

[Featued image] An IT specialist is working at a cafe and researching binary code.

Key takeaways

  • Binary code is the most fundamental structure of computer code, consisting of two numbers: 0 and 1, each representing a power of two (i.e., 2, 4, 8, 16, 32).

  • For a binary translator and to convert binary code to text, you need to use the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) to map each code to a letter, then combine the letters into words.

  • The uses of binary code include calculations, file compression and decompression, security, digital clock accuracy, and media processing. 

Binary code works by using 1s and 0s, also known as “bits,” to represent information in a format that computers can understand and apply. Discover more about binary code, including what it is, how it works, and its uses. If you’re ready to develop your skills in the field of IT, enroll in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. In as little as three months, you can learn about computer networking, IT infrastructure, network security, systems administration, and more. 

What is binary code?

Binary code is an information technology (IT) term referring to the most basic form of computer code, consisting of two numbers: 0 and 1, each representing a power of two (i.e., 2, 4, 8, 16, 32). These numbers form the basic layer of all computing systems and are the primary language of digital technologies. Binary code uses combinations of these two numbers to represent numbers, letters, or other types of information.

How does binary code work?

Binary code represents information in a format that computers or other electronic devices can understand, interpret, and use. Devices typically organize the code into segments called “bits” or “bytes.” Bits are single digits, either 1s or 0s. Because one bit is very small and impractical for use, computers group them into bytes, which are eight-bit units. 

An eight-bit byte is generally considered the basic computing unit, so you may see multiples of eight, such as 16, 32, or 64, more frequently in computing literature. Each eight-bit byte represents a piece of information that the computer uses to build information segments like letters or colors, combining to form larger pieces of information. 

What are the uses of binary code?

Computers rely on binary code in many everyday digital operations. Central processing units, also called CPUs, use binary to execute logical and arithmetic operations. When a computer sends information, it usually encodes that information into binary format, decoding it back into its original format after transmission. It’s a fundamental principle of digital communication. 

Check out five examples of how computers use binary code for operations:

1. Calculations

For example, when a sum is calculated, the calculator transforms the numbers into binary and then converts the result back into a decimal number format.

2. File compression and decompression

Compression algorithms use binary to represent data in more compact formats. This transformation reduces the storage space, enabling more efficient data management.

3. Security

Cryptographic algorithms employ binary code to carry out operations like encryption and decryption. Doing so helps to protect data and secure its transmission and storage.

Read more: Data Security: FAQ + Best Practices

4. Digital clock

Digital clocks can use binary settings to control LED lights and keep track of time. Separate binary counters add seconds, minutes, and hours to ensure the clock displays the correct time.

5. Media processing

During audio or video processing, streams of binary data make up the media files. Computers then decode and transform these streams back into analog signals for playback.

Binary translator: How to convert binary to text

To write in binary, you need to use ASCII. Then, you calculate the code to learn which letter the code corresponds to. Finally, you use these codes to combine letters into words.

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