bytealigned

Bytealigned (often written as byte-aligned or byte alignment) is a term used in computing to describe data laid out or accessed starting at a byte boundary. In many contexts, a byte is the smallest addressable unit, so byte-aligned data begins at an address divisible by one byte. Byte alignment is a specific case of general data alignment, contrasted with bit-packed or bit-level layouts where fields may begin at arbitrary bit positions.

Why it matters: Most processors perform read and write operations most efficiently on data that begins on natural boundaries. While some architectures tolerate unaligned access, it can incur extra cycles or raise exceptions. Byte-aligned layouts simplify parsing, serialization, and cross-platform data exchange by ensuring fields align to whole bytes.

Applications: File formats and network protocols often choose byte-aligned layouts for simplicity; protocols that save space may use bit packing, which complicates parsing. In memory allocation or language runtimes, ensuring struct fields are byte-aligned can improve performance and align with cache lines. Byte alignment is commonly used when quick, predictable access to data is required or when interoperability between systems is a priority.

Examples: In languages like C and C++, bit-field members may be packed into storage units; compilers often insert padding so that the next non-bit-field member starts at a byte boundary. In serialized data, a sequence of integers, strings, or other values is typically encoded as byte-aligned units to ensure straightforward access and processing without bit-level shims.