binaryfile

noun

UK /ˈbaɪ.nə.ri.faɪl/

US /ˈbaɪ.nɛr.i.faɪl/

A binary file is a computer file that holds information in a form only a computer can read.

The game saves your progress in a binary file.

SYNONYMS

data file machine-readable file compiled file non-text file

RELATED WORDS

bytecode executable encoding hex dump file format

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A file containing compiled program code rather than human-readable source text.

The developer shipped a binary file instead of the source code.

3. Any file whose bytes are not meant to be interpreted as plain text characters.

Opening a binary file in a text editor shows strange symbols.

4. A file stored in a compact machine format for images, audio, or video.

The photo is saved as a binary file to keep it small.