Binary Code

What are the methods to code characters with 0s and 1s in the computer? There are many coding schemes. Among them, ASCII and EBCDIC are two of the most popular binary coding schemes. Both use eight bits to form each byte.

• ASCII: ASCII, pronounced "as-key, " stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. This is the most widely used binary code for data communications and microcomputers. ASCII is a 7-bit code, giving 128 possible character combinations. An extra bit is used to hold a parity bit.

• EBCDIC: EBCDIC, pronounced "eb-see- dick, " stands for Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code. EBCDIC is a binary code set for representing data and an 8-bit code that allows 256 possible characters combination. It was developed by IBM and is used on all IBM computers. EBCDIC is also almost an industry standard for minicomputers and mainframe computers.