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Binary Files (cont)

Disadvantages of binary files:
  • cannot be examined/modified using a text editor
  • contents are machine-architecture-dependent
    (file written on one machine not may read the same on another machine)
  • contents are simply bytes; no hints on interpretation
Despite this, binary files are useful for e.g.
  • holding large amounts of numeric data
  • for subsequent re-use/maintenance on the same machine