Binary Numbering System

Binary numbering works on the same general principles as decimal numbering, but with differences in the details. The best way to understand the similarities and differences is to look at a sample binary number. Binary is simply another way to write a number. For each decimal number, you can write the same number in binary. For instance, the following binary number is the equivalent of the decimal number 235:

11101011

If you worked with numbers a lot, it would probably be more convenient to use a three-digit decimal number, instead of this eight-digit binary number. However, sometimes it's better to work with the binary number. In particular, computers tend to process things using binary, so many computing topics require you to be able to examine and understand binary numbers. Also, when you work with networks and plan and implement IP subnetting, you need to be able to work with binary numbers.