Binary Number System
Explore the binary number system, how bits represent values, and the significance of upper and lower bit positions. Understand how signed and unsigned integers work with bits to prepare for bit operations in D programming.
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Overview
The decimal number system, which is used in daily life, consists of ten numerals: 0123456789. In contrast, the binary number system used by computer hardware consists of two numerals: 0 and 1. This is a direct consequence of a bit consisting of two values. If bits had three values, then the computers would use a number system based on three numerals.
The digits of the decimal system are named incrementally as ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, etc. For example, the number 1023 can be expanded in the following way:
1023 == 1 count of thousand, no hundred, 2 counts of ten, and 3 counts of one
Naturally, moving one digit to the left multiplies the value of that digit by 10: 1, 10, 100, 1000, etc.
When the same rules are applied to a system that has two numerals, we arrive at the binary number system. ...