How many bits are there in a byte?

A byte is a fundamental unit of digital information that consists of 8 bits. Each bit is a binary digit, which can either be a 0 or a 1. The reason 8 bits are grouped together to form a byte is largely historical and practical, as it allows for a more manageable size to represent basic data types such as a single character of text (e.g., in ASCII encoding). This 8-bit grouping also facilitates the processing and storage of data in computers, making it easier to manipulate larger data structures.

In computing, a byte can represent a range of values from 0 to 255 (in decimal), which is essential for encoding characters, colors in images, and various numeric types. The standardization of the byte as an 8-bit unit has also influenced programming languages, data structures, and system architecture, reinforcing its importance in computer science and digital communication.