Memory Alpha
Memory Alpha
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'''Binary language''' is a term used to describe a basic form of [[computer]] code used by many [[Races and Cultures|cultures]] throughout the [[Milky Way Galaxy|galaxy]]. Binary language consists of ones and zeros in groups of eight or sixteen characters.
 
'''Binary language''' is a term used to describe a basic form of [[computer]] code used by many [[Races and Cultures|cultures]] throughout the [[Milky Way Galaxy|galaxy]]. Binary language consists of ones and zeros in groups of eight or sixteen characters.
   
[[Human]]kinds understanding of binary language was incorporated into their standard [[SETI greeting]] during the [[20th century]]. ([[VOY]]: "[[Future's End]]")
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[[Human]]kind's understanding of binary language was incorporated into their standard [[SETI greeting]] during the [[20th century]]. ([[VOY]]: "[[Future's End]]")
   
 
The [[Bynar]]s of [[Bynaus]] in the [[Beta Magellan system]] have a culture completely based on binary code. Their minds are supplemented by high-speed computation modules, dependant to a central computer. Despite the dependence, the interconnectedness of their society allows a tremendous amount of [[communications]] and information transfer.
 
The [[Bynar]]s of [[Bynaus]] in the [[Beta Magellan system]] have a culture completely based on binary code. Their minds are supplemented by high-speed computation modules, dependant to a central computer. Despite the dependence, the interconnectedness of their society allows a tremendous amount of [[communications]] and information transfer.

Revision as of 14:16, 23 December 2006

Seti greeting 1996

SETI greeting featuring two Humans, a strand of DNA and binary language

Binary language is a term used to describe a basic form of computer code used by many cultures throughout the galaxy. Binary language consists of ones and zeros in groups of eight or sixteen characters.

Humankind's understanding of binary language was incorporated into their standard SETI greeting during the 20th century. (VOY: "Future's End")

The Bynars of Bynaus in the Beta Magellan system have a culture completely based on binary code. Their minds are supplemented by high-speed computation modules, dependant to a central computer. Despite the dependence, the interconnectedness of their society allows a tremendous amount of communications and information transfer.

Another aspect of their binary thinking is, for them, there are only two choices: "one" or "zero" – "yes" or "no". (TNG: "11001001")

Binary code

Nanites communicating in binary code.

When nanites gained sentience aboard the USS Enterprise-D they tried to communicate with the crew in binary code. (TNG: "Evolution")

Federation computers use an even more advanced system, using the measurements quads, kiloquads and gigaquads to measure data. The systems are based in binary, yet also accomodating the use of trinary code. (VOY: "Hope and Fear")

Background

Star Trek computers are frequently referred to operating in binary capacities, such as "11001001," VOY: "Favorite Son," and VOY: "Distant Origin". However, references to trinary code, and the possible obsolescence of binary, have been made in modern Trek productions. Since an electric current can only be on or off, the science to create a working trinary code computer is probably not possible using modern electrical technology. Scientists today have theorized that quantum mechanics might provide solutions for trinary, or even quadratic, alternatives to binary code. This would be known as quantum computing.

External Links