Files can be classified as either binary or text. Binary files include image, sound, executable programs, and compressed data. Text files contain data as readable characters. Knowing the differences b...
Files can be classified as either binary or text. Binary files include image, sound, executable programs, and compressed data. Text files contain data as readable characters. Knowing the differences between these files can save time when reading or writing data.
Specifically, files contain finite-length sequences of bytes, represented as integers 0 to 255. Executable programs ready to run are often binary files with .bin extensions. Programmers may refer to executables as “binaries” and object code. Binaries can also contain data ready for programs to use.
It is possible file extensions become misspelled or changed accidentally. This can make files unrecognizable to operating systems and applications. One should scan downloaded .binary files with antivirus software before opening to check for viruses. The .binary extension allows Android apps to run on Windows, Linux and Mac OS when the right program is installed. Some other common binary extensions are .264 for video and .bny for stored data.
Hex Editors