A binary counter is a digital device that counts in binary numbers, which use only two digits: 0 and 1. It typically consists of a series of flip-flops, which are electronic components that can store a single bit of data. Each flip-flop represents a binary digit, and as the counter increments, the flip-flops change states to represent the current count. Binary counters can be used in various applications, such as in digital clocks, calculators, and computer systems. They can count up or down and can be designed to reset after reaching a certain value. Understanding binary counters is essential for grasping the fundamentals of digital electronics and computer architecture.