Binary File

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What Does Binary File Mean?

A binary file is a type of computer file that is used to store binary data. It may contain any type of formatted or unformatted data encoded within binary format. It is used directly by the computer and generally can’t be read by a human.

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Binary files may also be called binaries.

Techopedia Explains Binary File

A binary file may consist of binary data stored by the computer or non-binary data converted or encoded into binary data. A binary file generally remains native and resident within the computer, but it can be converted/encoded to plain text if it needs to be transmitted over a network/Internet connection.

A computer program file is one of the most common examples of a binary file.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.

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