Bytes, Bits, Data & Encoding Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering computer science fundamentals including binary systems, data limits, text and image encoding, data compression, and digital intellectual property.

Bit

A single binary digit, taking a value of either $0$ or $1$. It represents an off/on electrical state.

Byte

A sequence of $8$ bits (e.g., $10110100$).

Binary (Base-2)

A number system using powers of $2$ ($128$, $64$, $32$, $16$, $8$, $4$, $2$, $1$) to represent values.

Decimal (Base-10)

Standard numbering using powers of $10$.

Overflow Error

Occurs when a calculated number exceeds the maximum value a fixed number of bits can hold (e.g., trying to store $256$ in an $8$-bit system that tops out at $255$).

Round-off Error

Occurs when floating-point fractional values cannot be represented with exact precision, resulting in slight mathematical inaccuracies.

ASCII

An $8$-bit encoding standard mapping numbers ($0\text{--}127$) to standard keyboard characters.

RGB Color Model

Uses combinations of Red, Green, and Blue light values (typically $0\text{--}255$ each, using $24$ bits per pixel) to render digital images.

Sampling

Converting a continuous physical signal (like sound waves or smooth imagery) into discrete numerical values recorded at regular intervals.

Lossless Compression

Reduces file size without losing any original data. Perfect reconstruction is possible (e.g., PNG, ZIP).

Lossy Compression

Permanently discards less perceptible data to drastically reduce file size (e.g., JPEG, MP3).

Creative Commons

A flexible legal framework enabling creators to specify rights for public sharing and modification.