Differences Between Little Endian, Big Endian, Middle Endian, and Bi-endian

This article was originally published on bmf-tech.com.

Overview

This article summarizes the differences between Little Endian and Big Endian.

What is Endian?

• The method of arranging multiple bytes is called Endian or byte order.
• It refers to how data is arranged when loaded into memory.
• Endian is determined by the CPU, protocol, and OS.
• Problems related to Endian can easily arise when exchanging data between different systems or networks.
  • e.g. Endian conversion is necessary when analyzing binaries.

Big Endian

• A method where data is arranged from the lower address in the order of higher bytes to lower bytes.
• e.g. Hexadecimal 00 01 02 03 → 00 01 02 03

Little Endian

• A method where data is arranged from the higher address in the order of higher bytes to lower bytes.
• e.g. Hexadecimal 00 01 02 03 → 03 02 01 00

Middle Endian

• A more irregular method than the above two.

Bi-endian

• A method that switches between Big Endian and Little Endian.

References

• wikipedia.oorg - Endian
• ponsuke-tarou.hatenablog.com - Endian is a method of arranging multiple byte data.
• uquest.co.jp - What is Endian?
• ertl.jp - Byte Order - Big Endian/Little Endian
• wa3.i-3-i.info - Differences Between Big Endian and Little Endian
• xlsoft.com - Order of Big Endian and Little Endian
• ap-siken.com - Applied Information Technology Engineer Exam Heisei 23 Special Morning Question 11