What does 'byte' represent in computing?

A byte is a fundamental unit of digital information in computing that consists of 8 bits. Each bit is a binary digit that can hold a value of either 0 or 1. The grouping of these 8 bits allows for the representation of 256 different values (from 0 to 255), which is sufficient for encoding a variety of characters in computer systems, including letters, digits, and special symbols. Understanding the byte as 8 bits is crucial for grasping how data is structured and processed within computer systems, as it serves as a building block for larger data types such as kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and so forth. This concept is foundational in data analysis, programming, and any technical discussions about memory and data storage in computers.