: Why are computers limited to 0s and 1s? Why can’t we use numbers like 2s and 3s for more Efficiency?
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Imagine you and your friend have decided to pair up with each other and create a secret ‘code language’. Your code language is going to be controlled by something that can be seen from a distance — the flashing on and off of a light. This code language is going to be something like Morse code, but instead of using length — you only have access to whether the bulb is on or off.
Why don’t you have access to things like leaving the light on longer for more letters? Well, how exactly do you make sure you maintain consistency with how long the light is left on, the strength of the light, etc. getting rid of these extra variables just makes things /simpler/.
Computers are like you and your friend // they communicate based on whether there is electricity (the light) on or not. 0s and 1s provide a very simple system for sending messages that don’t require much extra fiddling like electricity ‘strength’ would.
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