Binary file facts for kids
A binary file is a type of computer file that isn't a simple text file. Think of it like this: a text file holds words you can easily read, but a binary file holds information in a special code that computers understand best.
Many binary files contain parts that look like text. For example, an old Microsoft Word document might have your words, but it also has hidden binary codes that tell the computer how to make the text bold or change its size.
Contents
What Are Binary Files?
Binary files are usually a long series of bytes. A byte is a small piece of computer information, made up of eight bits (which are like tiny on/off switches). These bytes are meant to be understood by a computer program, not read directly by people.
Common Binary File Examples
- Computer programs: When you download a game or an app, it's usually a binary file. Programmers often call these "binaries."
- Images: Pictures like JPEGs or PNGs are binary files. They store information about colors and shapes.
- Sounds: Music files like MP3s are also binary. They store sound waves as digital data.
- Videos: Movie files are complex binary files that combine image and sound data.
- Compressed files: Files that have been shrunk to save space, like ZIP files, are binary.
File Headers and Magic Numbers
Many binary files start with a special section called a header. This header is like a label or an ID card for the file. It contains important metadata, which is data about the data.
The header often has a unique code called a signature or magic number. This code helps a computer program figure out what kind of file it is. For example, a GIF image file might start with "GIF87a" or "GIF89a" in its header. This tells your computer, "Hey, this is a GIF image!"
If a binary file doesn't have a header, it might be called a flat binary file.
Sending Binary Files Online
Sometimes, when you send binary files over the internet, like in an email, they need to be changed into a text-like format first. This is because some older internet systems were designed mainly for text and can't handle all the different kinds of data found in binary files.
Encoding for Transfer
To send a binary file through these systems, it's often "encoded" into a plain text version. One common way to do this is called Base64.
The downside is that encoding makes the file bigger during the transfer. For example, using Base64 can make a file about 30% larger! But don't worry, once the file arrives, it's changed back into its original binary form.
How to Look Inside Binary Files
You usually can't just open a binary file with a regular text editor and understand it. If you try, you'll probably see a jumble of strange symbols and characters. That's because the text editor is trying to read the binary code as if it were letters and numbers.
Using a Hex Editor
To truly see what's inside a binary file, you can use a special tool called a hex editor or viewer. This program shows you the file's data as a sequence of hexadecimal numbers (a number system that uses 16 symbols). It's like looking at the raw, secret code of the file.
Finding Hidden Information
Some special viewers can also try to find any readable text hidden inside a binary file. This can be useful for:
- Finding secret messages or passwords in old game files.
- Recovering text from damaged documents.
- Checking suspicious software to see if it tries to connect to the internet or steal information. For example, you might see website addresses or email addresses hidden inside.
Binary Compatibility
Binary compatibility means that two files or programs can work together perfectly because they use the exact same sequence of zeros and ones in their data.
Working Across Different Computers
This term is often used when files made by one program can be used by another program, even on a different type of computer. For instance, some software companies make programs for both Microsoft Windows and Macintosh computers that are binary compatible. This means a file you create on a Windows computer can be opened and used directly on a Mac, and vice versa. This saves you from having to convert the file, which can sometimes cause problems.
One small difference between computers that can affect binary compatibility is called endianness. This refers to the order in which a computer stores the bytes of information. Some computers store them one way, and others store them differently.
See also
- Binary large object
- Disassembler
- Executable
- List of file formats
