Which numbering system uses only 0 and 1 and is fundamental in digital computing?

The binary system is fundamental in digital computing because it operates exclusively with two symbols: 0 and 1. This simplicity is particularly advantageous for electronic devices, as it aligns perfectly with the on-off (high-low) states of electronic circuits. Every piece of data, including numbers, letters, and images, can be represented using combinations of these two binary digits, making it the basis of all modern computing processes.

In contrast, the decimal system is based on ten digits (0-9) and is commonly used in everyday human counting and calculations. The hexadecimal system, which uses sixteen symbols (0-9 and A-F), and the octal system, using eight symbols (0-7), serve different purposes, often related to simplifying binary notation or working within specific programming contexts. However, neither of these systems can directly represent the fundamental structure of digital logic as effectively as the binary system does.