Summary

The difference between binaries and bitstrings is not merely technical but philosophical. Binaries represent data as the computer sees it—aligned, addressable, practical. Bitstrings represent data as the problem requires it—precise, minimal, theoretical.

This is rather like the difference between ordering a pint of beer (a sensible, standard unit) and ordering exactly 473.176 milliliters of beer (precise, but likely to annoy the bartender). Both get you beer, but one acknowledges the reality of how beer is actually served, while the other insists on theoretical precision.

For most purposes, binaries are sufficient. But when the problem truly demands bit-level precision—when you’re implementing a compression codec, parsing a video stream, or interfacing with peculiar hardware—bitstrings are not just useful but essential.

They are the dolphins of the data world, and sometimes, being a dolphin is exactly what the situation requires.