Understanding Overflow

What happens when a computer runs out of room to count? It doesn't stop — it starts over. This silent reset, called overflow, has corrupted Pac-Man screens, threatened global timekeeping, and even destroyed a $370 million rocket. Understanding Overflow takes you on a beginner-friendly journey through binary numbers, bit limits, and the fascinating moments when simple arithmetic breaks the machines we depend on. No programming experience required. Through real-world stories, step-by-step examples, and clear explanations, author Shafaat Ali reveals why every number in a computer has a ceiling — and what goes wrong when we hit it.