Files are saved in memory registers as a series of bytes. The operating system and file system manage how these bytes are allocated in memory. The data is stored in binary format, with each byte consisting of 8 bits. The sequence and structure of these bytes depend on the file format and the architecture of the system (such as little-endian or big-endian).
Bits, Bytes, and Nibbles
- Bit: The smallest unit of data in a computer, represented by a 0 or 1.
- Nibble: A group of 4 bits. It can represent 16 different values (0-15).
- Byte: A group of 8 bits. It can represent 256 different values (0-255).
For example:
- A single bit can be 0 or 1.
- A nibble can be
1010(which is 10 in decimal). - A byte can be
11001010(which is 202 in decimal).
LSB, MSB
- LSB (Least Significant Bit): The bit with the lowest value in a binary number, located at the far right. It holds the least weight (2^0).
- MSB (Most Significant Bit): The bit with the highest value in a binary number, located at the far left. It holds the most weight (2^(n-1) for an n-bit number).