Base-2 logarithms, denoted as log₂, are a way to express how many times you need to multiply the number 2 to get a certain value. For example, log₂(8) equals 3 because 2 multiplied by itself three times (2 × 2 × 2) equals 8. This concept is essential in computer science, particularly in algorithms and data structures, where binary systems are prevalent. Base-2 logarithms help in measuring the complexity of algorithms, especially those that divide data in half, like binary search. They are also used in calculating the number of bits needed to represent a number in binary form. Understanding log₂ is crucial for grasping how computers process information.