What is a byte?

A byte is defined as a group of 8 bits. This standard size enables the representation of 256 distinct values (from 0 to 255), which is fundamental in computing for encoding characters (like ASCII or Unicode). The concept of a byte is essential in various contexts, such as data storage, memory, and network protocols.

In comparison, the other groupings of bits mentioned in the options, such as 4 bits, 6 bits, or 10 bits, do not define a byte and are not commonly used to represent standard data sizes in computing. Instead, these bit groupings may refer to smaller units (like nibbles for 4 bits) or non-standard applications but do not align with the universally accepted definition of a byte.