0x00000008

0x00000008 is a hexadecimal literal used in programming and computer systems to denote the unsigned integer value eight. The prefix 0x signals hexadecimal notation, and the leading zeros are often used to emphasize fixed width, such as a 32-bit quantity, though the value remains eight.

In binary, 0x00000008 is 00000000 00000000 00000000 00001000. In decimal, the value is 8. As a bitmask, it has the fourth least-significant bit set (bit position 3, counting from zero) and is commonly used in conjunction with other masks via bitwise operations to test, set, or clear specific flags.

Character encoding provides another interpretation: in ASCII, the code 0x08 corresponds to the Backspace control character. In Unicode, U+0008 represents the same control character, illustrating how hexadecimal values map to standard character sets in different contexts.

Endianness affects how 0x00000008 is stored in memory. A 32-bit value of 0x00000008 stored in little-endian form appears as 08 00 00 00, while in big-endian form it appears as 00 00 00 08. This matters when reading binary data across architectures or when constructing binary protocols.

Context is essential for the meaning of 0x00000008. Across hardware registers, software flags, and protocol specifications, the same numeric value may signify different states or operations. Absent a defined context, 0x00000008 primarily represents the integer eight or a small bitmask with only the bit corresponding to 8 set.

See also: hexadecimal notation, bitmask, endianness, ASCII control characters.