Why hexadecimal is popular: “The primary advantage of the hexadecimal number system is the ease of conversion to and from binary.” Assess this rationale for using base-16 in digital design.

Introduction / Context:
Engineers prefer hexadecimal because it maps neatly to binary, the native language of digital hardware. This question asks whether that mapping is the main reason hex dominates register maps, memory dumps, and low-level software tools.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Binary is base-2; hexadecimal is base-16.
• One hex digit corresponds to exactly four binary bits (a nibble).
• Digital artifacts are commonly byte (8-bit) aligned, making two hex digits per byte a perfect fit.

Concept / Approach:
The one-to-four mapping enables straightforward, error-resistant conversion without arithmetic. Group binary into nibbles and substitute hex digits; reverse by expanding each hex digit to four bits. This simplicity, combined with compactness, is precisely why hex is used in datasheets and debugging tools.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Memory dumps typically show bytes as two hex characters. Bitmask constants and register fields are expressed in hex to align with bit boundaries. Educational material emphasizes hex specifically because of this deterministic nibble mapping.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Incorrect: Dismisses the core mapping advantage.
• Only for signed integers: Sign does not affect base mapping.
• Only when bytes are 8 bits: Even with non-8-bit words, nibble groupings remain useful.
• Fewer digits than decimal: While true, compactness is secondary to the exact binary mapping.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing ease of conversion with human familiarity; believing decimal would be better merely due to everyday use; overlooking that octal (3-bit groupings) was popular on systems with 12/36-bit words for the same mapping reason.

Final Answer:
Correct