NIMCET 2008 — Computer PYQ
NIMCET | Computer | 2008How many bits are required to store an ASCII character?
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How many bits are required to store an ASCII character?
7
(Correct Answer)6
8
None
7
To answer this accurately, we must distinguish between the original standard and how it is implemented in modern computing.
1. The Original Standard (7-bit ASCII)
The ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) was originally designed as a 7-bit code.
With 7 bits, the number of unique characters that can be represented is 27=128.
These 128 characters include control characters (like "Line Feed"), uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and basic punctuation.
2. Modern Storage (8-bit implementation)
In practical computer storage and data transmission:
Computers usually store data in bytes, where 1 byte=8 bits.
When a 7-bit ASCII character is stored in an 8-bit byte, the 8th bit (the most significant bit) is typically set to 0 or used as a parity bit for error checking.
Extended ASCII uses all 8 bits to represent 28=256 characters, adding special symbols and non-English characters.
3. Choosing the Correct Answer
In the context of competitive exams and the fundamental definition of the standard:
If the question asks for the number of bits defined by the ASCII standard, the answer is 7.
If the question refers to how much space it takes in a standard memory byte, the answer would be 8.
However, by definition, "Standard ASCII" is a 7-bit character set.
The correct option is (a) 7.
To answer this accurately, we must distinguish between the original standard and how it is implemented in modern computing.
1. The Original Standard (7-bit ASCII)
The ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) was originally designed as a 7-bit code.
With 7 bits, the number of unique characters that can be represented is 27=128.
These 128 characters include control characters (like "Line Feed"), uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and basic punctuation.
2. Modern Storage (8-bit implementation)
In practical computer storage and data transmission:
Computers usually store data in bytes, where 1 byte=8 bits.
When a 7-bit ASCII character is stored in an 8-bit byte, the 8th bit (the most significant bit) is typically set to 0 or used as a parity bit for error checking.
Extended ASCII uses all 8 bits to represent 28=256 characters, adding special symbols and non-English characters.
3. Choosing the Correct Answer
In the context of competitive exams and the fundamental definition of the standard:
If the question asks for the number of bits defined by the ASCII standard, the answer is 7.
If the question refers to how much space it takes in a standard memory byte, the answer would be 8.
However, by definition, "Standard ASCII" is a 7-bit character set.
The correct option is (a) 7.