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Definition: binary file transfer


Transferring a pure binary file, such as an executable program, image or video, to a remote location. Binary file transfers maintain the integrity of all eight bits in each byte, and the file winds up at the receiving end bit for bit the same as it started. See binary file and BFT.

Not So With ASCII Text
When an ASCII text file is transferred to another computer, the end-of-line (line break) characters may be converted to a different format if the operating system in the receiving computer is dissimilar. For example, a Windows text file uses a carriage return/line feed (CR/LF) pair for end of line, whereas a Mac or Linux system uses only a line feed (see line break).