Understanding 8-Digit Binary Numbers: A Beginner's Guide

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In summary, the conversation discusses the distinction between 8-digit bytes in computer hardware and software. The conversation also addresses the question of how the computer knows when one byte ends and the next begins. It is explained that in hardware, bytes are distinguished by being 8 bits long, while in software, bytes are assumed to begin at a multiple of 8 bits. The bits 0 and 1 are also discussed, with the conclusion that they represent whether a signal passes through a gate or not. However, it is noted that this may not always be the case and more research is needed for a better understanding.
  • #1
luckis11
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How does it (it=what?) distinguish each 8-digit (10100100) from the previous and the next?
 
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  • #2
:confused:

I'm sorry, I don't understand your question.
 
  • #3
Nor do I. Can you restate the question more clearly?
 
  • #4
I think the question is:

How does the computer know when one byte ends and the next begins?
 
  • #5
Yes, a byte.

I also asked what exactly distinguishes them, now I see that this means two questions?: What distinguishes the bytes at software and what at hardware.
 
  • #6
I believe the only thing that distinguishes bytes in hardware is the fact that they are all 8 bits long. So the hard drive or RAM knows that if this is the 64th bit that it is the first bit in its byte.

I can't think of a situation where software would really see bits, only bytes. However, if it did it would do it the same way. Just assume that every byte begins with a multiple of 8 bit.
 
  • #7
PLEASE forget my previous question. I want to grasp this:

The bits 0 and 1 are the whether signal passes from a gate or not, correct? It seems not correct: The gate NOT converts a signal "1" to a signal "0", whereas a signal always passes from that gate?

Is it (ONLY OR ALSO?) that the e.g. 101 means that at a wire (just a wire, no gates in between) there is an electrical pulse of (wavefront- no wavefront-wavefront)?
 
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  • #8
luckis11 said:
PLEASE forget my previous question. I want to grasp this:

The bits 0 and 1 are what?

The whether signal passes from a gate or not? This seems wrong because the gate NOT converts a signal "1" to a signal "0", whereas a signal always passes from that gate?

Is it that the e.g. 101 means that at a wire (just a wire, no gates in between) there is an electrical pulse of (wavefront- no wavefront-wavefront)? This also seems wrong because if it was so, the signal that arrives from the one wire to the gate should be 111111111..., and the other one should be 000000000...otherwise how could it be that...

? A link that explains this?
 

FAQ: Understanding 8-Digit Binary Numbers: A Beginner's Guide

What are binary numbers?

Binary numbers are a numerical system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1, to represent numbers. It is the foundation of all digital computing systems.

Why are binary numbers important?

Binary numbers are important because they are the basis of all digital systems. They allow us to represent and manipulate data in a way that can be easily processed by computers.

How are 8-digit binary numbers different from other binary numbers?

8-digit binary numbers, also known as octets, are a specific type of binary number that uses 8 digits to represent a value. They are commonly used in computer systems to represent data and instructions.

How do I convert a decimal number to an 8-digit binary number?

To convert a decimal number to an 8-digit binary number, you can use the binary conversion method or the division method. In the binary conversion method, you divide the decimal number by 2 and write down the remainder until you reach 0. In the division method, you repeatedly divide the decimal number by 2 and write down the remainder backwards until you reach 0.

What is the importance of understanding 8-digit binary numbers?

Understanding 8-digit binary numbers is important for anyone working with digital systems, such as computer programmers, engineers, and scientists. It allows them to interpret and manipulate data in a way that is compatible with computer systems.

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