AI engineering glossary · Computing foundations
What is binary file?
Binary file: A file whose contents are arbitrary bytes not meant to be read as characters, such as images, compiled programs or model weights. Opening it in a text editor shows unreadable symbols.
Binary file: an example
A saved PyTorch model file is a binary file that only suitable software can interpret.
Related terms
More Computing foundations terms
Where you learn it
Binary file is part of the AI Engineering Program, which teaches it with notes, a hands-on lab and an exam. The first lesson is free.