Bit (noun): A bit (short for binary digit), is the fundamental unit of information in computing and digital communications. It is a binary digit represented in ones and zeroes. Bits are used as the smallest unit of information in digital technologies. For example, computers communicate using bits to store and transfer data from one device to another.
A single bit has two possible values: 1 or 0. The two values signify two different binary states: one (on) or zero (off). A group of eight bits, called a byte, is the minimum unit of storage in computing. Depending on the type of data, a byte can contain either a single character (e.g. the letter “a”) or up to 8 binary digits (for example, 00000001).
In the broader scope, bits are also used to represent ideas, concepts, and bigger digital entities. Programmers use bits to represent instructions for computers and data structures. In digital communications, even smaller bits like QUANTs are used to shape data for efficient transmission.
At the base of all digital and computing activities, the bit is the fundamental building block of all information. Its simple binary nature gives us the opportunity to create complicated operations, from simple calculations to returning results from vast data sets. Without a bit, digital technologies would be impossible.
