In computing, which number system uses a base of 16?

The number system that uses a base of 16 is hexadecimal. This system is essential in computing and programming because it allows for a more human-readable representation of binary-coded values. In hexadecimal, the digits range from 0 to 9 followed by the letters A to F, where A represents 10, B represents 11, C represents 12, D represents 13, E represents 14, and F represents 15. This compact representation makes it easier to express large binary numbers, which would be cumbersome and difficult to read if expressed solely in binary.

The hexadecimal system is commonly used in programming, particularly in contexts involving memory addresses and color codes in web design. Understanding hexadecimal is crucial for developers, as it simplifies the interpretation of binary data and enhances the readability of code. The other systems mentioned, such as decimal (base 10), binary (base 2), and octal (base 8), do not use the base of 16, thus reinforcing that hexadecimal is the correct answer in this context.