What is Binary?
Binary is the fundamental language of computers. Instead of the ten digits we use (0-9), binary relies on just two digits: 0 and 1. These represent off and on states in a computer’s transistors, similar to a light switch. A single binary digit is called a bit, and eight bits make up a byte. Subsequently, by combining these bits, we can represent any information.
The Role of Hexadecimal
Binary strings can get long and unwieldy. Therefore, we can convert between binary and hexadecimal numbers. Hexadecimal, or hex, uses sixteen symbols (0-9 and A-F) to represent values. Each hex digit represents four binary digits, making it a more compact way to express binary data. For example, the binary sequence 1101 can be written as D in hexadecimal.
Character Encoding
In hex, the letter A is represented by the binary code 1001. B is 1011. When you type a word, your computer converts each letter into its corresponding binary code, stores it, and processes it electronically. This binary information is then translated back to letters and symbols on your screen.
Binary in Images and Audio
Digital images consist of tiny squares called pixels, each assigned a binary value to determine its colour. In a black and white image, a 0 might represent black whereas a 1 might represent white. Generally, for colour images, more bits are used to represent a wider range of colours.
Audio is represented by the height of sound waves at different points in time. These heights are converted into binary values. Thus higher values represent louder sounds. These binary values store and playback your favourite music and podcasts.
Why Use Hexadecimal?
Hexadecimal is like shorthand for binary. It makes it easier for humans to work with long strings of binary code. For example, a computer might store the color blue as 0010011101110011 in binary, but in hex, it’s simply 2773. Hexadecimal is used for tasks like representing memory addresses, defining web colours, and debugging software.
Converting Between Binary and Hexadecimal
Furthermore, converting binary to hex is straightforward. Take a binary number like 11010110. Divide it into groups of four bits: 1101 and 0110. Convert each group to its hex equivalent: 1101 is D and 0110 is 6. So, 11010110 in binary is D6 in hex.
Converting from hex to binary is just as simple. Take the hex number A3. Each hex digit represents four bits, so A3 becomes 10100011 in binary.
The Importance of Understanding Binary and Hexadecimal
Understanding binary and hexadecimal demystifies how computers process and store information. Everything digital relies on these fundamental concepts. All in all, knowing how these systems work empowers you to troubleshoot technical issues, delve deeper into programming, and appreciate the elegance of computer communication. From text to images to music, it’s all about the dance of ones and zeros, and the clever shorthand of hexadecimal.
Embrace this knowledge and explore the hidden world of digital information. You now have the keys to unlock its secrets.
(VCDTDI036 in the Victorian Curriculum).
