004

004 is a numeric string that is commonly read as the decimal number 4, though the leading zeros give it a fixed-width, identifier-like appearance. In many contexts, such as inventory systems, file naming, dates, or serial numbers, three-digit codes like 004 are used to maintain uniform length and sorting order. This padding has no intrinsic mathematical value but can affect how the value is interpreted in databases, spreadsheets, or programming environments.

In mathematics, 4 is the fourth positive integer. It is a square number (2 squared) and the first composite number. Its divisors are 1, 2, and 4, and it is an even number. As a small, well-understood integer, 4 often appears in examples and counts across number theory and everyday arithmetic.

In computing and information technology, 004 can serve as an identifier, code, or model number within a system. The presence of leading zeros means the string is not always interchangeable with a plain digit; in some programming languages, numbers with a leading zero are treated as octal literals, in which case 004 represents octal 4, equivalent to decimal 4. In ASCII, the decimal value 4 corresponds to the End of Transmission control character, highlighting how small numbers can have multiple representations and meanings depending on context. Overall, 004 is best understood as a contextual label rather than a standalone mathematical object.