ascii
2 ResultsDictionary
ASCII
(American Standard Code for Information Interchange) Pronounced "ask-ee," it is the built-in binary code for representing characters in all computers except IBM mainframes, which use the EBCDIC...
Dictionary
Definition: ASCII
(American Standard Code for Information Interchange) Pronounced "ask-ee," it is the built-in binary code for representing characters in all computers except IBM mainframes, which use the EBCDIC coding system. ASCII was originally developed for communications and uses only seven bits per character, providing 128 combinations that include upper and lower case alphabetic letters, the numeric digits and special symbols such as the $ and %. The first 32 characters are set aside for communications and printer control (see ASCII chart).
A Byte Holds ASCII and Then Some
Since the common storage unit in a computer is an 8-bit byte (256 character combinations) and ASCII uses only the first 128 (0-127), the second set of 128 characters (128-255) are technically not ASCII, but are typically used for foreign language and math symbols. In the first PCs running DOS, they also contained elementary graphics symbols. In the Mac, the additional values can be defined by the user.
ASCII Vs. Hex
In technical applications typically used by developers, you may have a choice between entering data in ASCII or "hex" for editing or searching. ASCII is entered by typing in regular text, but because there are not enough keys on the keyboard to enter 256 distinct characters, the hexadecimal (hex) numbering system is used. Hex is entered by typing only the digits 0 to 9 or the letters A to F, and it provides a precise way of defining any of the 256 possible combinations in the byte, whether they be control codes (0-31) or the last 128 (128-255). See hex chart, ASCII file and Unicode.
THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
© 1981-2010 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
Sponsored White Papers, Webcasts & Resources
-
Stop Losing Performance to File Fragmentation
The best defragmenter only goes to work after system resources have been used to fragment files. You can never recoup that wasted performance. Try Diskeeper 2010 Pro edition free for 30 days and...
-
Smart Argentina uses ASCII art in first animated Twitter commercial
Perhaps ASCII art might just start to make a comeback thanks to this clever animated Twitter ad from Smart Cars.
-
When iSync goes bad
Usually a friendly, helpful service, SyncServices can sometimes go rogue, and screw up your Address Book contacts and iCal appointments on your iPhone or MobileMe account. An updated Apple support...
Additional Results
-
Smart Argentina uses ASCII art in first animated Twitter commercial
Perhaps ASCII art might just start to make a comeback thanks to this clever animated Twitter ad from Smart Cars.
-
Really Neat Idea: Using ASCII Art Within A Meta Description!
As for SEO value, this technique is worthless... but it could very well result in many more click-throughs to your site if properly administered! Join me as I show you how to pull off one of the...
-
When iSync goes bad
Usually a friendly, helpful service, SyncServices can sometimes go rogue, and screw up your Address Book contacts and iCal appointments on your iPhone or MobileMe account. An updated Apple support...
-
George Lucas' masterpiece in ASCII art
CNET News.com's Nicole Girard shows you the command line to unlock a viewable ASCII version of the classic movie "Star Wars." So sit back, grab a tub of popcorn and enjoy the show.
-
ASCII Group backs HP-Compaq merger
The ASCII Group, which represents value-added resellers and integrators, announced on Friday its support for the contentious, pending HP and Compaq mega-merger. The group noted the combined...
The best of ZDNet, delivered
ZDNet Newsletters
Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox
Vendor Showcase
