What is the main difference between analog and digital signals?

The main difference between analog and digital signals lies in how they represent information. Analog signals vary continuously, meaning they can take on any value within a given range. This characteristic allows them to reflect the smooth changes of physical phenomena, such as sound waves or temperature variations. In contrast, digital signals represent information using discrete binary values, typically in the form of 0s and 1s. This representation means that digital signals display values only at specific intervals, which helps in reducing noise and improving signal integrity during transmission.

Understanding this fundamental distinction is essential in fields like telecommunications and computer systems, where signal interpretation and processing play a critical role. The continuous nature of analog signals contrasts sharply with the discrete nature of digital signals, highlighting why digital signals are often preferred in modern technology for their robustness and efficiency in handling data transfer.