The difference between Analog and Discrete

When used as adjectives, analog means in which the value of a data item (such as time) is represented by a continuous(ly) variable physical quantity that can be measured (such as the shadow of a sundial), whereas discrete means separate.


Analog is also noun with the meaning: something that bears an analogy to something else.

check bellow for the other definitions of Analog and Discrete

  1. Analog as an adjective (of a device or system):

    in which the value of a data item (such as time) is represented by a continuous(ly) variable physical quantity that can be measured (such as the shadow of a sundial)

  1. Analog as a noun (countable):

    something that bears an analogy to something else

  2. Analog as a noun (countable, biology):

    an organ or structure that is similar in function to one in another kind of organism but is of dissimilar evolutionary origin

  3. Analog as a noun (chemistry):

    a structural derivative of a parent compound that often differs from it by a single element

  1. Discrete as an adjective:

    Separate; distinct; individual; non-continuous.

    Examples:

    "a government with three discrete divisions"

  2. Discrete as an adjective:

    That can be perceived individually and not as connected to, or part of something else.

  3. Discrete as an adjective (electrical engineering):

    Having separate electronic components, such as individual diodes, transistors and resisters, as opposed to integrated circuitry.

  4. Discrete as an adjective (audio engineering):

    Having separate and independent channels of audio, as opposed to multiplexed stereo or quadraphonic, or other multi-channel sound.

  5. Discrete as an adjective (topology):

    Having each singleton subset open: said of a topological space or a topology.

  6. Discrete as an adjective:

    Disjunctive; containing a disjunctive or discretive clause.

    Examples:

    "I resign my life, but not my honour" is a discrete proposition."

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