Binaries are files containing compiled computer code, but any file can be encoded in this format. Text-based languages like C++ are used to write programs that are later compiled into binary format. Online binaries are associated with USENET, where files must be encoded in a text-based system. Large files can be split and posted separately, but not all newsreaders handle binaries equally. Files posted to USENET are not moderated, so there is no guarantee of legality or lawful distribution.
Files that contain compiled computer code are referred to as binaries, sometimes used interchangeably with object files. However, any file can be encoded in this format, including digital graphics, movies or music.
Text-based computer languages such as C and C++ are used to write programs which are later compiled into binary format. This is because computers can only read this simple language, consisting of 1s and 0s, interpreted as on or off. Each digit or value is one bit of data. Eight bits equal one byte of information. A binary file viewed with a hex editor will display the contents of the file as continuous blocks of bytes or the digital equivalent of the source code.
Online binaries are often associated with USENET, where subscribers from all over the world can share programs and multimedia data. However, USENET was designed for exchanging text messages, so these files must be encoded in a text-based system, then decoded on the receiving end, making it possible to exchange non-text files over the network. Encryption and decryption of exchanged files is done automatically by software embedded within USENET-enabled newsreaders.
In many cases, the files are too large to post to USENET, as the network has a limit that limits the number of characters allowed in any single post. Instead, the uploader can compress and split a large binary file into sections or parts using a separate program. Individual parts are numbered sequentially and posted separately to the appropriate newsgroup. Anyone interested in downloading the file must download all of its parts into a folder where a program can reassemble the parts into the single original file.
Not all newsreaders handle binaries equally easily. Many are designed primarily to handle the text messages that make up the majority of messages on USENET. People should also note that files posted to USENET do not go through a police moderator, with no guarantee that it or its content is legal or is being distributed lawfully.
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