Technology Fundamentals
Bit
Definition
A bit (short for binary digit) is the smallest unit of data in a computer. A bit has a single binary value, either 0 or 1.
Why It Matters
Bits are the atomic-level building blocks of all digital information. The combination of bits allows for the representation of all data, from simple numbers to complex multimedia.
Contextual Example
A single bit can represent a simple yes/no or on/off state. For example, a 1 could mean "on" and a 0 could mean "off" for a light switch in a smart home app.
Common Misunderstandings
- A bit is a single unit. A "byte" is a sequence of 8 bits, which is often the smallest addressable unit of memory in many computer architectures.
- Internet speeds are often measured in megabits per second (Mbps), while file sizes are measured in megabytes (MB). A megabyte is 8 times larger than a megabit.