How do binary digits represent digital information in computers?

In digital computers, binary digits—or bits—represent information by utilizing a two-valued system based on the binary number system. Because electronic components like transistors can reliably exist in two distinct states—such as on/off, open/closed, or high/low voltage—they are used to symbolize 1 and 0, respectively.12

Computers process this information through logic design, where logic gates manipulate these bits using Boolean algebra. By passing or blocking electrical pulses, these circuits perform arithmetic and logical operations.23

Data is organized into larger units, most notably the byte, which consists of eight adjacent bits. A single byte can represent a character, such as a letter or punctuation mark, or a numerical value ranging from 0 to 255. Through these combinations of bits, computers are able to represent, store, and process complex digital information, including numbers, text, and operations.42