Chapter 17
Binary Mania
IN THIS CHAPTER
Getting to know binary digits
Showing binary output
Working with bitwise operators
Setting and masking bits
Shifting bits
Understanding hexadecimal
Computers are digital devices, bathed in the binary waters of ones and zeros. Everything your programs deal with — all the text, graphics, music, video, and whatnot — melts down to the basic digital elements of one-zero, true-false, on-off, yes-no. When you understand binary, you can better understand computers and all digital technology.
Binary Basics
Happily, you don’t have to program any digital device by writing low-level code, flipping switches, or soldering wires. That’s because today’s programming happens at a higher level. But still, deep within the machine, that type of low-level coding continues. You’re just insulated from the primordial soup of ones and zeros from which all software ...
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