Parity (computer science)

Similar to parity (physics), parity in computer science means "equality" or "functional equivalent". Examples of parity would be 102 is in parity with 210 or a commodity may be in parity with another commodity or with an amount of money.

In the sciences, parity takes on a special meaning, and uses the concepts of even and odd.

Parity in computer science is used to determine if data are "equal to" or "on a parity with" other data, or more usually, the same data at another point in time. As such, it is used to detect error. Parity in computer science is based on a special bit, called a Parity bit that can be either true or false.

In computer science, 0 represents false and 1 represents true. For most purposes, and definitely in terms of computer science, zero can be considered to be an even number (see Parity of zero), although mathematically, this is not necessarily correct in all circumstances. [1][2]

See also

References

  1. Is Zero an even or odd number? http://zidbits.com/2011/02/is-zero-an-even-or-odd-number
  2. Chapter Zero: Fundamental Notions of Abstract Mathematics (2nd Edition) by Carol Schumacher
  1. ^ http://zidbits.com/2011/02/is-zero-an-even-or-odd-number/#1
  2. ^ #2