Which term describes the process of assigning binary values to characters for readability?

Which term describes the process of assigning binary values to characters for readability?

• A. Data compression
• B. Character encoding
• C. Data encryption
• D. File formatting

Answer: (B)

The process of assigning binary values to characters for readability is known as character encoding. Character encoding is crucial because it allows computers to represent text in a form that can be understood and processed. Each character, whether it's a letter, number, or special symbol, is mapped to a specific binary value, enabling consistent communication between different systems and applications. For example, in the ASCII character encoding scheme, the letter "A" is represented by the binary value 01000001. This consistent mapping ensures that when text is stored, transmitted, or processed by different devices, it appears as intended to the user. Character encoding is foundational for how text data is managed in digital environments, facilitating proper display and manipulation of text across various platforms and applications. Understanding character encoding is essential for anyone working in IT support or dealing with data management, as it underpins much of how text is handled in computing.

The process of assigning binary values to characters for readability is known as character encoding. Character encoding is crucial because it allows computers to represent text in a form that can be understood and processed. Each character, whether it's a letter, number, or special symbol, is mapped to a specific binary value, enabling consistent communication between different systems and applications.

For example, in the ASCII character encoding scheme, the letter "A" is represented by the binary value 01000001. This consistent mapping ensures that when text is stored, transmitted, or processed by different devices, it appears as intended to the user.

Character encoding is foundational for how text data is managed in digital environments, facilitating proper display and manipulation of text across various platforms and applications. Understanding character encoding is essential for anyone working in IT support or dealing with data management, as it underpins much of how text is handled in computing.