Binary Operations

Definition ∞ Binary operations are fundamental computational processes that act upon two inputs to produce a single output. In computing and blockchain, these operations process data represented in binary form, using zeros and ones. Examples include logical operations like AND, OR, XOR, and arithmetic operations such as addition or subtraction performed at the bit level. They are essential for cryptographic functions, data processing, and smart contract execution within digital systems. Their efficiency directly influences system performance.
Context ∞ Within blockchain technology, binary operations underpin the execution of smart contract logic and the verification of transaction integrity. The performance of these operations is a critical factor in scalability discussions for various protocols. Developers continually optimize these foundational processes to enhance network throughput and reduce computational overhead for decentralized applications.