What numbering system is primarily used by digital computers?

Digital computers primarily use the binary numbering system. This system consists of just two digits: 0 and 1. The binary system is fundamental to digital computing because it aligns with the underlying hardware architecture of computers, which operate using two states—on and off (or true and false). These binary states correspond to the electrical signals used in the circuits of a computer, allowing for the representation of complex data and instructions in a format that the computer can process.

By utilizing binary, computers can perform calculations and execute commands efficiently, leveraging logical operations that depend on the binary representation of data. This binary foundation is essential for the functioning of all digital devices, from simple calculators to complex supercomputers.

While other numbering systems like octal, decimal, and hexadecimal are used in certain contexts (such as simplifying binary representation or human readability), the core processing within digital computers relies exclusively on the binary system.