CHARACTER CODE Meaning and
Definition
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A character code is a standard system used to represent characters within a computer, allowing for efficient storage and transmission of textual data. It is essentially a mapping between characters and numeric values, which is widely employed in computer programming, communication protocols, and data storage.
A character code typically assigns a unique numeric value to each character in a character set or character repertoire, which includes alphabets, numerals, punctuation marks, symbols, and control characters. The most commonly used character code is the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange), which assigns a 7-bit binary number to 128 characters. ASCII covers the basic Latin alphabet, digits, and common punctuation marks.
More recent character codes introduced in the computing industry include UTF-8 (Unicode Transformation Format 8-bit), which provides a broader repertoire encompassing various scripts and characters from different languages. UTF-8 assigns variable-length codes to represent characters, enabling efficient representation of a vast range of characters from different alphabets and scripts.
Character codes enable computers to process and manipulate textual information, as well as facilitate data exchange between different systems and platforms. They provide a standardized method for representing characters, ensuring interoperability and compatibility across various computer systems and programming languages.
In summary, a character code is a systematic way of assigning numeric values to characters, allowing computers to store, transmit, and process textual data efficiently and accurately.
Common Misspellings for CHARACTER CODE
- xharacter code
- vharacter code
- fharacter code
- dharacter code
- cgaracter code
- cbaracter code
- cnaracter code
- cjaracter code
- cuaracter code
- cyaracter code
- chzracter code
- chsracter code
- chwracter code
- chqracter code
- chaeacter code
- chadacter code
- chafacter code
- chatacter code
- cha5acter code
- cha4acter code
Etymology of CHARACTER CODE
The term "character code" comes from the combination of two separate words - "character" and "code".
- "Character" originates from the Greek word "khárisma", meaning "a distinctive feature or mark". It passed through Latin and Old French before being adopted into English in the 14th century. In this context, "character" denotes an individual symbol or letter used in writing or printing.
- "Code" derives from the Latin word "codex", meaning "block of wood" or "book", and later referred to a set of laws or regulations. This word was adopted into Old French and Middle English. In the context of technology, a "code" refers to a system of symbols or instructions used to represent information or data.
Hence, the term "character code" refers to the set of symbols or instructions used to represent individual characters or text in a digital system or programming language.
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