Decimal (symbol: ‘d’) is a numerical base or system of counting that is used in computers and other digital devices. It is a base-10 system, meaning it consists of 10 digits (0 through 9). Unlike other numerical bases such as binary or hexadecimal, decimal is the only base used in everyday life as it is associated with the grouping of numbers in base-10 in cultures that observe the Western numeral system.
Decimal is an important feature in computer programming, as it is used to represent data and values. Due to the modular nature of computers, data is typically stored in binary form, and must be converted to decimal in order for it to be read. This conversion process is known as decimal arithmetic and is used in a variety of contexts, such as computational mathematics, network protocols, and other forms of communication.
Decimal is also used for digital representation, as it allows computers to store information with a high degree of accuracy and precision. Computers store decimal numbers as strings of decimal digits, with each number representing a portion of the total number. For example, the decimal number 123.456 can be stored using the string “123.456”.
Decimal arithmetic is also used in the calculation of values in programming languages, such as C, Java, and Python. It is used to write and execute functions and to do calculations in programming code, which allows for more detailed control over a program’s output.
Decimal is an integral and multi-faceted part of computer programming. Understanding how it works and its various applications is essential for anyone interested in understanding computers and the ways in which programming can be used to manipulate, store, and analyze data.
