binary file
Non-text computer data
A binary file stores data in a format meant for computers rather than humans—sequences of bytes that aren't plain text.
Opening a binary file in a text editor produces gibberish: images, executables, compressed archives, and databases are all binary files.
The distinction matters when transferring files, since binary files can be corrupted if treated as text.
- executableDirectly runnable program file
- hexMalevolent incantation
- blobShapeless viscous drop
- bytecodeCompiled platform-neutral instructions
- compiledGathered and arranged
object code · data · data stream · stream · encoding · header · bytes · raw · dump · object · library · exe · installer · archive · corrupt · unreadable · parser · offset
- filesfilename, folder, directory, subdirectory, source code
- binary databits, bit, 1111, 1100, right shift
- digital recordsrecord, log, database, audit trail, entry
- PascalPascal's triangle, cycloid, probability theory, hydraulic press, syringe
- file operationsopen, save, close, copy, delete
file format/encoding
binary filetext file
Unformatted digital document
plaintext · source file · CSV file · XML file · log file
compilation state
binary filesource code
Programming instructions before compilation
source file · script · source