|
Short for binary digit, the smallest unit of information on a machine. The term was first used in 1946 by John Tukey, a leading statistician and adviser to five presidents. A single bit can hold only one of two values: 0 or 1. More meaningful information is obtained by combining consecutive bits into larger units. For example, a byte is composed of 8 consecutive bits. Computers are sometimes classified by the number of bits they can process at one time or by the number of bits they use to represent addresses. These two values are not always the same, which leads to confusion. For example, classifying a computer as a 32-bit machine might mean that its data registers are 32 bits wide or that it uses 32 bits to identify each address in memory. Whereas larger registers make a computer faster, using more bits for addresses enables a machine to support larger programs. Graphics are also often described by the number of bits used to represent each dot. A 1-bit image is monochrome; an 8-bit image supports 256 colors or grayscales; and a 24- or 32-bit graphic supports true color.
|
 Data Representation
This is Chapter 1 of Randall Hyde's book, "Art of Assembly Language." It describes the binary and hexadecimal numbering systems, binary data organization (bits, nibbles, bytes, words, and double words), signed and unsigned numbering systems, arithmetic, logical, shift, and rotate operations on binary values, bit fields and packed data, and the ASCII character set.
|
| Related Terms |
16-bit32-bit address space BER BERT bit bucket bit rate bit stuffing Class C network kilobit megabit nibble octet PIA quantum computing qubit register
|
bit Products :
| Top Store Offers: |
| Toolup.com
2.52bosch HCBG04 3/16 x 6 Hammer Drill Bit (Round Shank) Bosch HCBG04 Specifications: Diameter : 3/16 Useable Length: 4 Overall Length: 6 ... |
| Tyler Tool
106.99The Freud 99-037 Finger Joint Router Bit has a 1-3/8" Overall Diameter with a carbide height of 1-9/16", cut depth of 5/16", minor height of 21/64" an... |
| Applied Diamond Tools
132.00The set of core bits include one of each for the following DRY/WET core bits: 1", 1-1/4", 1-3/8" and 1-1/2". Total sale price for the package is $147.... |
| Crutchfield
49.99Ratcheting Straight/Offset Driver/40 Bit Includes case, adjustable ratchet handle, offset driver, magnetic extension and bit holder, stabilizer, and b... |
| Shoplet.com
6.85Pilot Pen 57 200, 1/4 Shank Chamfer Router Bit With 3/16 Diameter Brass Pilot Guide, 22.5° Cutting Angle. Classic Deluxe Mechanical Pencil |
Compare all matches:
19142 Store Offers |
|
|
|
