Bit

computing · binary · digital · information

Two choices only. A bit can only be one of two things: a 1 or a 0. You could also think of it as yes/no, on/off, true/false, or plus/minus. Every computer choice comes down to these simple pairs.

Building blocks of data. Bits are the foundation of everything computers do. Billions and billions of bits strung together create every photo, song, message, and game on your device.

Comes from binary digit. The word 'bit' is short for 'binary digit.' Binary means having exactly two parts, so a binary digit can only hold two different values.

On or off in hardware. Inside a computer chip, a bit is usually represented as an electrical signal that is either on or off. When electricity flows, that is 1, and when it stops, that is 0.