hardware - Why do computers work in binary? -

i have done searching have not found satisfactory answer. developer want invest necessary time in understanding this, looking complete explanation on , feel free provide useful references.

thanks.

i recommend buying book andrew s. tanenbaum. developed 1 of predecessors linux called minix. used structured computer organization part of university course.

why computers use binary not matter of switch context.

relative reference voltage of 3v. +1v(4v) = true or 1 , -1v(2v) = false or 0.

it has efficient method of creating controlling or logic circuits. has cost of implementation. how cost build circuits work binary compared circuits work decimal or analogue see answer.

if compare how many billions of binary circuit transistors fit on modern cpu. cost of doing decimal (or analogue) system increases exponentially every digit want add have add more controlling circuitry.

if want understand of important contributing components have helped make binary default standard logic , controlling circuitry read , understand following topics wikipedia. take 4 hours read through important topics, have of electrical engineering used create circuits.

i tried complete in list of concepts need understand how actual switches work , why used. why binary arithmetic such efficient form of computation in hardware.

• transistor types understand pnp , npn transistor types understand how actual circuity forms switches works. these circuits cheap make , can shrunk minuscule(nano meter) size
• logic circuitry. if understand basic logic circuitry understand how actual transistor types used implement them. these relate of programming constructs such "and &&" "or ||" , "if, branch" constructs.
• digitalcircuitry has use full disadvantages section comparing analog , digital circuits
• nand logic gate important other logic gate circuits can implemented using 1 logic gate. simplifying manufacturing process, complexity of machinery used create the circuits can streamlined.
• adder circuits understand how basic addition done using logic gates.
• twos complement full in understand number representation in actual cpus. cheap implement type of arithmetic in cpu, requires fewer transistors. instance simple addition circuitry need addition , subtraction. if add negative number correct answer ie +7 + (-4) = +3. helps understand integer overflow
• binary_number
• these of used circus controlling other circuits. these control when circuits switched on , off. decoder encoder how (if or branch) condition logic implemented.
• multiplexer fundamental how routing done. in cpu, bus , in network. 1 of common logic circuits found in digital devices.

now hard cores stuff. c. , c++ used write device drivers speak actual hardware. if want how devices work, cpu, , or external devices learn assembler. begin see how can switch off device setting device register specific value, read logic circuit change devices state. example understand why (0101) base2 = 5 (binary related stuff) route specific way through circuits switch device on , off.