Unary

   Unary generally refers to having "one of a thing". In different contexts
   it may specifically signify e.g.:

     * unary numeral system: A [1]base for writing numbers (just as
       [2]binary, [3]decimal, [4]hexadecimal etc.). This base is kind of an
       extreme, using only one symbol (0) and has at least two possible
       versions:
          * The most primitive "caveman" system of recording numbers with a
            single symbol, recording a number simply by writing "that many
            symbols", e.g. using the symbol 0, one is written as 0, two as
            00, three as 000 etc. Zero itself is represented by an empty
            string (writing nothing). Though primitive, this system is
            actually usable.
          * The system following rules of computers, i.e. having a fixed
            space, i.e. number of places, for storing a number (just as in
            binary we have may have e.g. 8 bits for storing a number).
            However since each of those places can only hold one value (the
            single symbol of the unary system, usually set to be 0), the
            system is a [5]joke, because no matter how many places, we can
            only ever record one number -- zero. The advantage is that we can
            store zero even with zero places, i.e. we don't even need any
            memory to store the number.
     * unary function, operator etc.: [6]function, [7]operator etc. that only
       has one parameter (e.g. [8]square root, ...).
     * ...

Links:
1. base.md
2. binary.md
3. decimal.md
4. hex.md
5. jokes.md
6. function.md
7. operator.md
8. sqrt.md