Binary data refers to information that is represented in a format using only two symbols: typically 0 and 1. This system is the foundation of digital computing, as computers process and store data in binary form. Each bit (binary digit) can represent a state, such as on/off or true/false, allowing complex data structures to be built from simple binary combinations. In practical terms, binary data can represent various types of information, including text, images, and audio. For example, in text files, each character is encoded using a specific binary code, such as ASCII or UTF-8. This encoding allows computers to interpret and manipulate different forms of data efficiently.