Understanding Binary Code in Computing

Introduction to Binary Code

• Binary code consists of only the numbers 1 and 0.
• Essential for the functioning of digital devices like computers.
• Used to describe data like films, music, and navigational directions.

Why Use Binary?

• Reliability:
  • Computers use binary because it is a stable way to store data.
  • Main memory uses transistors that toggle between high (e.g., 5 volts) and low (e.g., 0 volts) voltage levels.
  • Despite oscillations in voltage, only two states are interpreted, ensuring stability.
• Processor Function:
  • The computer processor reads these binary states to control other devices in accordance with software instructions.

Binary Sequences

• Binary sequences don’t have intrinsic meanings; they’re encoded based on specific rules.
• Numerical Representation:
  • Analogous to decimal system but uses powers of 2.
  • Example: 84 in decimal translates to a specific binary sequence.
• Character Representation:
  • Uses encoding standards like UTF-8.
  • Example: Binary 01010100 corresponds to letter 'T'.

Contextual Interpretation

• Binary strings require context to interpret whether they represent numbers or characters.
  • Similar to understanding a language's sounds.

Binary in Multimedia

• Images:
  • Pixels are represented by binary sequences encoding primary color intensities.
• Video:
  • Video drivers use binary data to control screen hues.
• Audio:
  • Pulse code modulation digitizes sound waves into binary strings.
  • Captures sound wave amplitudes, with up to 44,000 binary strings per second.
  • Determines speaker coil vibrations to create sound.

Data Compression

• Efficiency:
  • Large amounts of data are managed by compression techniques.
  • Run-Length Encoding:
    • Repeats are shortened, e.g., "30 green" instead of coding each green pixel separately.

Future of Computing Beyond Binary

• Ternary Computers:
  • Research into systems with three states.
• Quantum Computers:
  • Potential to have multiple states simultaneously.
• Current limitations mean binary remains the most stable and effective for data storage and transmission.

Conclusion

• The digital world operates on a binary system, making countless "true" or "false" decisions to deliver multimedia content effectively.