In a digital circuit, what do flip-flops primarily store?

Flip-flops primarily store binary data, which are the fundamental building blocks of digital circuits. A flip-flop is a bistable device that can exist in one of two states, typically represented as 0 and 1. This ability to store binary values makes flip-flops essential for creating memory elements in digital systems, where they can hold bits of information that can be read, written, and toggled based on input signals.

While there are other components in digital systems that may handle configurations or manage operational frequencies, flip-flops specifically deal with and store binary information. Their design allows for stable data retention until they receive a signal to change state, which is critical in applications like registers, counters, and memory cells, all of which are foundational to how digital electronics function. Thus, the emphasis on binary data storage highlights the primary role of flip-flops within digital circuits.