, 1 min read
Bytes or octets?
Quick: what is the definition of a byte (as in two kilobytes)?
If you said it is a unit of 8 bits, you failed.
Correct answer (according to IEEE 1541):
- A byte is a set of adjacent bits operated on as a group;
- The octet is a set of 8 bits.
Hence, if I refer to 1024 times 8 bits, I should avoid “1 kB” as this can be interpreted as 1000 bytes where byte is a platform-specific term. I should write 1 Kio or one kibioctet. Note: Yes, I am being pedantic.
Note 2: I initially wrote “1 KB” instead of “1 kB”.