Answer 3—Endianess refers to the way in which multibyte quantities are stored in particular computer architecture. Big endian means the big end (MSB) of the number is at lower addresses. Little endian means the little end (LSB) appears first.

When adding or subtracting multiple-precision numbers, you need to start processing at the little end of the number, so it makes a certain amount of sense to store them little endian so you get to that part first.

Also, if you number bits right-to-left within a word in the order of their significance, it makes it more consistent to also number the byte/words in order of their significance by storing them little endian.

Intel, being first on the scene with single-chip microprocessors, chose little endian for any or all of the above reasons. Motorola had to go with big endian in order to avoid patent problems.

Contributor: David Tweed