Bit: Unit of Information Classical Computer

Definition

An element of the set $\left\{ 0, 1 \right\}$ is called a bit. An element of the set $\left\{ 0, 1 \right\}^{n}$ is called a $n$bit.

Description

The term bit is an abbreviation for binary digit. It is commonly described as “something that can have the value of either $0$ or $1$.” It is the smallest unit of information that a classical computer processes. In computer circuits, $1$ signifies the presence of an electrical signal, while $0$ signifies the absence of an electrical signal.

The smallest unit of information processed by a quantum computer is called a quantum bit, adding quantum to bit.

See Also

• Boolean function
• Qubit