Hexadecimal

Hexadecimal, or Hex for short, is a computational numerical system used in computers and digital devices. It is based on the number 16, rather than the more common 10 system used in daily life. It is most commonly used by computer programmers to take large numbers and to represent them with symbols that are smaller and easier to understand.

Hexadecimal is commonly written and represented with the symbols 0-9 (which are the symbols used in the decimal system) and A-F (the first six letters of the alphabet). These 16 symbols are thus often called “hex digits.” Hexadecimal numerals can be used to represent colors, as they are made up of three sets of two hexadecimal digits, which represent the three primary color components Red, Green and Blue, in the sequence RRGGBB. This system is called RGB which stands for the Red-Green-Blue system, and is commonly used in web design and on the internet for HTML and CSS coding.

Hexadecimal numbers are also used in computer memory to represent binary numbers, which are composed of ones and zeros, the two values that form the foundation of digital communication and computer processing. One hexadecimal digit can be represented with four binary digits. Hexadecimal is also commonly used to encode and decrypt data.

Though the idea behind the system is quite complex, the concept behind it is relatively simple. Hexadecimal is a useful system for many of today’s computer programmers and digital designers. It is a popular choice in the world of computer science, programming, and cybersecurity because it allows for easy conversion and understanding of numerical data.