Introduction

In programming, it’s common to convert decimal numbers (base 10) into binary numbers (base 2) as computers operate using binary systems. This conversion allows us to understand and work with data at the fundamental machine level. The process involves dividing the decimal number by 2 repeatedly and keeping track of the remainders, which represent the binary digits (bits).

Objective

The objective of this program is to demonstrate how to convert a decimal number to binary using Python programming language. By the end of this exercise, you will learn how to implement a function that performs this conversion and how to display the output.

Python Code: Decimal to Binary Converter

def decimal_to_binary(decimal_number):
    # Initialize an empty string to store binary result
    binary_result = ''
    
    # Handle the case for zero
    if decimal_number == 0:
        return '0'
    
    # Loop until the decimal number becomes 0
    while decimal_number > 0:
        remainder = decimal_number % 2
        binary_result = str(remainder) + binary_result  # Prepend remainder to the result
        decimal_number = decimal_number // 2  # Update the decimal number by dividing it by 2
    
    return binary_result

# Example Usage:
decimal_number = int(input("Enter a decimal number: "))  # Taking user input for decimal number
binary_representation = decimal_to_binary(decimal_number)  # Convert the number to binary
print(f"The binary representation of {decimal_number} is {binary_representation}.")

Explanation of the Program

The program consists of a function decimal_to_binary(decimal_number) which takes a decimal number as input and returns its binary equivalent.

1. Input Handling: The user is prompted to enter a decimal number using input(). The input is then converted to an integer using int().
2. Decimal to Binary Conversion: The function initializes an empty string binary_result. It then repeatedly divides the decimal number by 2, storing the remainder (either 0 or 1) at each step. The remainders are added to the beginning of the string (using + binary_result), since the binary digits are generated in reverse order.
3. Edge Case for Zero: If the decimal number is zero, the function immediately returns “0” as the binary representation of zero is simply “0”.
4. Output: The program outputs the binary equivalent of the entered decimal number using print().

How to Run the Program

Follow these steps to run the program:

1. Install Python on your system, if it’s not already installed.
2. Copy and paste the code into a Python script file, for example, decimal_to_binary.py.
3. Open a terminal or command prompt.
4. Navigate to the directory where the script is saved.
5. Run the script by typing python decimal_to_binary.py.
6. Enter a decimal number when prompted, and the program will display its binary equivalent.