What is the low-level programming language consisting of binary digits that a computer reads and understands?

The correct answer is machine code, which is the most fundamental language of computers, consisting solely of binary digits, or bits (0s and 1s). This code is directly executed by the computer's hardware, allowing for precise instruction execution without the need for further translation. Each instruction in machine code corresponds to a specific operation that the computer's CPU can perform, making it essential for all other levels of programming.

Machine code serves as the interface between hardware and software; high-level programming languages and even assembly language must ultimately translate their instructions into machine code before being processed by the CPU. This ensures that all operations are performed efficiently and accurately, as the computer understands this binary format without any further interpretation.

Other programming languages, such as assembly language, high-level languages, and scripting languages, require translation or interpretation into machine code before they can be executed by the computer. This translation can add some overhead, which is why machine code is valued for its directness and speed.