Binary file

Binary file refers to a type of computer file that is not a text file. The term "binary file" is often used as a term meaning "non-text file". Many binary file formats contain parts that can be interpreted as text; for example, some computer document files containing formatted text, such as older Microsoft Word document files, contain the text of the document but also contain formatting information in binary form.

Structure of Binary Files

Binary files typically contain bytes that are intended to be interpreted as something other than text characters. Compiled computer programs are typical; indeed, compiled applications (ones where the original source code has been converted into machine language) are sometimes referred to as binaries. But binary files can also mean that they contain images, sounds, compressed versions of other files, etc. — in short, they can contain data in any form.

The byte order is either Motorola or Intel depending on the first word. if it is MM, then you have Motorola byte ordering and likewise if it is II then you have Intel byte ordering.

Binary File Formats

Binary file formats may include multiple types of data in the same file, such as image, video, and audio data. This data can be interpreted by a program which will then display the image, play the video, or play the audio. Other examples of binary file formats include .doc files, .pdf files, and .exe files.

Binary File and Text File

The distinction between binary and text files is a simplification. Text is a subset of binary, in the sense that a text file is a binary file that happens to contain only printable characters. But many binary files contain structure that allows them to hold more complex arrangements of information.

See Also

• Computer file
• File format
• Text file