What does the term 'bistable device' refer to in computing?

The term 'bistable device' in computing refers to a device that can maintain two possible states. This concept is foundational in digital electronics, where bistable devices can represent binary values of 0 and 1. Examples of bistable devices include flip-flops and latches, which are crucial for storing binary information in memory circuits.

These devices are significant because they can hold a state indefinitely until an external event triggers a change, allowing them to be used in various applications, including registers, memory cells, and state machines. By being able to switch between these two stable states and retain their value, bistable devices effectively contribute to information processing and storage in computing systems.