Nibble

In computing, a nibble (often nybble or even nyble to match the vowels of byte) is a four-bit aggregation, or half an octet. It is also known as half-byte or tetrade. In a networking or telecommunication context, the nibble is often called a semi-octet,quadbit, or quartet. A nibble has sixteen (2⁴) possible values. A nibble can be represented by a single hexadecimal digit and called a hex digit.

A full byte (octet) is represented by two hexadecimal digits; therefore, it is common to display a byte of information as two nibbles. Sometimes the set of all 256 byte values is represented as a table 16×16, which gives easily readable hexadecimal codes for each value.

Four-bit computer architectures use groups of four bits as their fundamental unit. Such architectures were used in early microprocessors and pocket calculators and continue to be used in some microcontrollers.

History

The term 'nibble' originates from its representing 'half a byte', with 'byte' a homophone of the English word 'bite'.

Nibble (magazine)

Nibble was a magazine for Apple II computer users with a focus on hobbyist programming. The name meant "half a byte" (perhaps in reference to Byte) or "four bits." Its slogan was "The Magazine for Apple II Enthusiasts." Most of the articles incorporated the source code of a small to medium-sized utility, application program, or game (each written specifically for the magazine) and a detailed description of how it worked. The headquarters was in Lincoln, Massachusetts.

History and profile

The magazine was first published in January 1980 by Mike Harvey. Originally published eight times per year, by 1984 the magazine had attained a popularity that allowed it become a monthly publication. It was published for more than twelve years; the July 1992 issue was the last.

Since typing in the BASIC or hexadecimal listings could be error-prone, the magazine also published checksum tables that, with utilities available from the magazine, helped pinpoint the location of any errors in a reader's own typed-in copy. The programs were also available on disk for a small fee for those who did not want to spend the time to type them in.

Nibble (disambiguation)

Nibble is a computing term for a four-bit aggregation.

Nibble, nibbles, nibbler or nibblers may also refer to:

Print media

Film and television

Computing and games

Other uses