- #1
transgalactic
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why kbyte=2^10 ??
a byte=2^8
kilo=1000
2^8 * 1000 differs 2^10
??
a byte=2^8
kilo=1000
2^8 * 1000 differs 2^10
??
Understanding the Difference Between a Byte and a Kilo: 2^8 vs 2^10
- Thread starter transgalactic
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the distinction between a byte and a kilobyte, specifically addressing the definitions of 2^8 and 2^10 in the context of binary and decimal measurements in computing. Participants explore the historical and technical reasons behind these definitions and the implications for data measurement.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions why a kilobyte is defined as 2^10, noting that a byte is 2^8 and suggesting that multiplying by 1000 does not align with 2^10.
- Another participant explains that binary-based computer usage favors powers of 2, with 2^10 (1024) being close to 1000, leading to the adoption of "kilo" in this context.
- A different participant asserts that 1024 combinations should be referred to as kilobits, not kilobytes, indicating a potential misunderstanding of terminology.
- One participant mentions the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) attempt to clarify this issue by introducing binary prefixes, such as kibibyte for 1024 bytes, while expressing a personal opinion about the term "kibibyte."
- Another participant notes that the IEC's definitions have been largely ignored in practice, suggesting a disconnect between formal definitions and common usage.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the definitions and usage of kilobytes and kibibytes, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights the ambiguity in terminology related to data measurement, particularly the distinction between decimal and binary prefixes, and the lack of consensus on the adoption of IEC definitions.
- #2
rcgldr
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Someone decided that for binary based computer usage, it would be better to state everything values close to powers of 2. Since 2^10 is 1024, and close to 1000, it became "kilo". Similarly 2^20 is "mega", 2^30 is "giga", and 2^40 is "tera".
- #3
transgalactic
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ok 1024 combinations is kbit
not
kbyte
- #4
jtbell
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The International Electrotechnical Commission has tried to resolve this confusion by defining a new set of binary-based prefixes, e.g. 1 kibibyte = 1024 bytes.
See this Wikipedia article for more details.
Personally, I think "kibibyte" sounds like a brand of dog food.
- #5
CRGreathouse
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jtbell said:
which have been almost universally ignored.
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