Regarding the question on why computers use 2 digits instead of 10, it's important to keep in mind that computers don't contain numbers but instead physical components. A certain state of a physical component is mapped to a 0, the other to a 1.
For example, Compact discs (CDs) contain tiny indentations (pits) next to regular areas between these pits (lands). A change from either pit to land or land to pit indicates a 1, while no change indicates a series of 0s.
If we wanted to use a 10 digits system here, we'd have to find a why to differentiate between 10 different physical states. Naturally, this is quite complex. Instead, it's easier to use a binary system.
100%. I didn’t want to get too technical in this post around the implementation specifics of hardware, so I mainly left it as a way for the reader to engage with their sense of what counting feels more natural than another.
This is awesome! :)
Regarding the question on why computers use 2 digits instead of 10, it's important to keep in mind that computers don't contain numbers but instead physical components. A certain state of a physical component is mapped to a 0, the other to a 1.
For example, Compact discs (CDs) contain tiny indentations (pits) next to regular areas between these pits (lands). A change from either pit to land or land to pit indicates a 1, while no change indicates a series of 0s.
If we wanted to use a 10 digits system here, we'd have to find a why to differentiate between 10 different physical states. Naturally, this is quite complex. Instead, it's easier to use a binary system.
100%. I didn’t want to get too technical in this post around the implementation specifics of hardware, so I mainly left it as a way for the reader to engage with their sense of what counting feels more natural than another.