Nybble is a term used in computing to denote four bits or half a byte. It was coined when IBM transitioned from six-bit binary-coded decimal (BCD) characters to an eight-bit byte format in the System/360 series. The term Nibble is a playful reference to chewing terms (Nibble, Byte, Bit), as the term “Bit” was already in use to refer to “binary digit”.
To differentiate between a “bite” and the English term, IBM changed “i” to “y”, which resulted in “nybble” being occasionally spelled as “nibble.”
FAQ
What is the difference between a nybble and a byte?
Nybble is made up of four bits, whereas a byte consists of eight bits.
Why was “nybble” invented?
The term was created by IBM to differentiate between the newly introduced byte size (eight bits) and the already existing bit size (one bit).
Can the term “nybble” be used interchangeably with “nibble”?
Yes, “nybble” and “nibble” can be used interchangeably to describe four bits.
Conclusion
In summary, nybble is computing terminology referring to four bits, whereas a byte comprises eight bits. The term “nybble” was coined by IBM as a playful reference to chewing terms, as the term “bit” was already in use to refer to “binary digit,” and it is occasionally spelled as “nibble.”
