What does EBCDIC represent in character encoding systems?

EBCDIC stands for Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code. This character encoding system was developed by IBM and is primarily used in its mainframe and midrange computer systems. EBCDIC represents each character as a unique 8-bit binary number, allowing for a variety of characters to be encoded; this includes numbers, letters, and control characters.

The term "Extended" in EBCDIC indicates that it is an enhancement over the earlier Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) system, which was more limited in the variety of characters it could represent. This extension allows for the inclusion of more symbols and characters that are valuable for complex data processing tasks. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the foundational structure and purpose of this encoding system in computing.