Understanding Binary Files: What Makes Them Different?

What is the main difference between a binary file and a text file?

a. A binary file stores numbers with binary notation.

b. A binary file stores strings with character notation.

c. The data in a binary file can be grouped into records or rows.

d. A binary file can be used to store a Python list.

Answer:

a. A binary file stores numbers with binary notation.

A binary file is like a text file in most ways, but the one significant difference is that a binary file can be used to store a Python list. Text files and binary files share commonalities in that they both can store data like numbers and strings, and data can be organized into records or rows. However, text files store data in a human-readable, character-based format, while binary files store data in a format that is not easily human-readable, using the binary notation.

Binary files are used to store data in a raw, binary format, making them suitable for more complex data structures like Python lists or custom data structures. This allows binary files to store data in its native representation, making them highly versatile for various data types and structures. Text files, on the other hand, are primarily designed for storing human-readable text data and may not be suitable for more complex data structures.