Bit - GCSE Computer Science Definition

In the context of GCSE Computer Science, a "bit" is the most basic unit of data in computing and digital communications. It stands for "binary digit" and can have a value of either 0 or 1. These binary values are used because computers operate using a binary number system, which allows them to process immense amounts of data using simple on/off electrical signals. Multiple bits are grouped together to form larger units of data like bytes, with eight bits typically making up one byte. Bits are foundational to computer operations as they enable the representation of all types of digital data, from numbers and text to images and sound, by sequences of zeros and ones.