Integer (computer science)In computer science, an integer is a datum of integral data type, a data type that represents some range of mathematical integers. Integral data types may be of different sizes and may or may not be allowed to contain negative values. Integers are commonly represented in a computer as a group of binary digits (bits). The size of the grouping varies so the set of integer sizes available varies between different types of computers.
Positional notationMethod for representing or encoding numbers Glossary of terms used in the positional numeral systems Positional notation, also known as place-value notation, is the property of a numeral system that the value represented by each symbol in a written numeral depends not only on its appearance but also on its position. Each symbol fits in a specific place or position, representing a power of a fixed base.
Numerical digitA numerical digit (often shortened to just digit) is a single symbol used to represent numbers in positional notation, such as 0, 1, ..., 9 in the common base 10. The name "digit" originates from the Latindigiti, meaning fingers. Digits may be used alone (such as "1") or in combinations (such as in "15") to form a numeral. For any numeral system with an integer base, the number of different digits required is the absolute value of the base.
ByteThe byte is a unit of digital information that most commonly consists of eight bits. Historically, the byte was the number of bits used to encode a single character of text in a computer and for this reason it is the smallest addressable unit of memory in many computer architectures. To disambiguate arbitrarily sized bytes from the common 8-bit definition, network protocol documents such as the Internet Protocol (RFC791) refer to an 8-bit byte as an octet.
BitThe bit is the most basic unit of information in computing and digital communication. The name is a portmanteau of binary digit. The bit represents a logical state with one of two possible values. These values are most commonly represented as 1 and 0, but other representations such as true/false, yes/no, on/off, and +/− are also widely used.
Word (computer architecture)In computing, a word is a fixed-sized datum handled as the natural or historical unit of data by the instruction set or the hardware of a processor. The number of bits or digits in a word (the word size, word width, or word length) is an important characteristic of any specific processor design or computer architecture.
Computer memoryComputer memory stores information, such as data and programs, for immediate use in the computer; instructions fetched by the computer, and data fetched and stored by those instructions, are located in computer memory. The terms memory, main memory, and primary storage are also used for computer memory. Computer memory is often referred to as RAM, meaning random-access memory, although some older forms of computer memory, such as drum memory, are not random-access.
ComputingComputing is any goal-oriented activity that requires, benefits from, or creates computing machinery. It includes the study and experimentation of algorithmic processes, and the development of both hardware and software. Computing encompasses scientific, engineering, mathematical, technological, and social aspects.
Bus (computing)In computer architecture, a bus (historically also called a data highway or databus) is a communication system that transfers data between components inside a computer or, more rarely, between computers. It encompasses both hardware (e.g., wires, optical fiber, bus slots) and software, including communication protocols. At its core, a bus is a shared physical pathway, typically composed of wires or traces on a circuit board, that allows multiple devices to communicate.
Binary numberNumber expressed in the base-2 numeral system A binary number is a number expressed in the base-2 numeral system or binary numeral system, a method for representing numbers that uses only two symbols for the natural numbers: typically 0 (zero) and 1 (one). A binary number may also refer to a rational number that has a finite representation in the binary numeral system, that is, the quotient of an integer by a power of two.
Processor registerA processor register is a quickly accessible storage location available to a computer's processor. Registers usually consist of a small amount of fast storage, although some registers have specific hardware functions, and may be read-only or write-only. In computer architecture, registers are typically addressed by mechanisms other than main memory, but may in some cases be assigned a memory address e.g. the DECPDP-6/PDP-10 and the ICT 1900.
Central processing unitCentral computer component that executes instructionsCore i9-14900KF, a 2023 CPU made by IntelInside a central processing unit: The integrated circuit of Intel's Xeon 3060, first manufactured in 2006A central processing unit (CPU), also known as a central processor, main processor, or simply processor, is the primary processor in a given computer.
Positional notationMethod for representing or encoding numbers Glossary of terms used in the positional numeral systems Positional notation, also known as place-value notation, is the property of a numeral system that the value represented by each symbol in a written numeral depends not only on its appearance but also on its position. Each symbol fits in a specific place or position, representing a power of a fixed base.Numerical digitA numerical digit (often shortened to just digit) is a single symbol used to represent numbers in positional notation, such as 0, 1, ..., 9 in the common base 10. The name "digit" originates from the Latindigiti, meaning fingers. Digits may be used alone (such as "1") or in combinations (such as in "15") to form a numeral. For any numeral system with an integer base, the number of different digits required is the absolute value of the base.ByteThe byte is a unit of digital information that most commonly consists of eight bits. Historically, the byte was the number of bits used to encode a single character of text in a computer and for this reason it is the smallest addressable unit of memory in many computer architectures. To disambiguate arbitrarily sized bytes from the common 8-bit definition, network protocol documents such as the Internet Protocol (RFC791) refer to an 8-bit byte as an octet.BitThe bit is the most basic unit of information in computing and digital communication. The name is a portmanteau of binary digit. The bit represents a logical state with one of two possible values. These values are most commonly represented as 1 and 0, but other representations such as true/false, yes/no, on/off, and +/− are also widely used.Word (computer architecture)In computing, a word is a fixed-sized datum handled as the natural or historical unit of data by the instruction set or the hardware of a processor. The number of bits or digits in a word (the word size, word width, or word length) is an important characteristic of any specific processor design or computer architecture.Computer memoryComputer memory stores information, such as data and programs, for immediate use in the computer; instructions fetched by the computer, and data fetched and stored by those instructions, are located in computer memory. The terms memory, main memory, and primary storage are also used for computer memory. Computer memory is often referred to as RAM, meaning random-access memory, although some older forms of computer memory, such as drum memory, are not random-access.ComputingComputing is any goal-oriented activity that requires, benefits from, or creates computing machinery. It includes the study and experimentation of algorithmic processes, and the development of both hardware and software. Computing encompasses scientific, engineering, mathematical, technological, and social aspects.Bus (computing)In computer architecture, a bus (historically also called a data highway or databus) is a communication system that transfers data between components inside a computer or, more rarely, between computers. It encompasses both hardware (e.g., wires, optical fiber, bus slots) and software, including communication protocols. At its core, a bus is a shared physical pathway, typically composed of wires or traces on a circuit board, that allows multiple devices to communicate.Binary numberNumber expressed in the base-2 numeral system A binary number is a number expressed in the base-2 numeral system or binary numeral system, a method for representing numbers that uses only two symbols for the natural numbers: typically 0 (zero) and 1 (one). A binary number may also refer to a rational number that has a finite representation in the binary numeral system, that is, the quotient of an integer by a power of two.Processor registerA processor register is a quickly accessible storage location available to a computer's processor. Registers usually consist of a small amount of fast storage, although some registers have specific hardware functions, and may be read-only or write-only. In computer architecture, registers are typically addressed by mechanisms other than main memory, but may in some cases be assigned a memory address e.g. the DECPDP-6/PDP-10 and the ICT 1900.Central processing unitCentral computer component that executes instructionsCore i9-14900KF, a 2023 CPU made by IntelInside a central processing unit: The integrated circuit of Intel's Xeon 3060, first manufactured in 2006A central processing unit (CPU), also known as a central processor, main processor, or simply processor, is the primary processor in a given computer.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.