This Number System Beats Binary, But Most Computers Can't Use It

Computers traditionally use binary (base-2) systems, but ternary (base-3) systems were once explored as a potentially more efficient alternative. In the 1950s, the Soviet Union developed Setun, an electronic ternary computer using magnetic cores and diodes. While ternary systems offer some theoretical advantages, they didn't catch on due to hardware limitations and incompatibility with existing binary systems. Today, ternary computers remain niche hobby projects, as binary systems dominate due to their simpler hardware implementation and established conventions in computer design.