Virtual vs. Digital: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 3, 2023
Virtual refers to something not physically existing but made to appear so by software, while digital pertains to data represented in numerical form. Both are integral to technology but differ in presence and representation.
Key Differences
Virtual is a term used to describe something that exists in essence but not in actuality, often created, simulated, or maintained by computer software. It is instrumental in creating environments, realities, or situations that don’t have a physical presence but are made to appear real through technology. In contrast, digital refers to something using digits, especially binary digits, relating to the representation of data in numerical form. It encompasses the encoding of information in a format processed and stored by computers, implying a clear and precise form of representation.
In the realm of virtual technologies, elements such as virtual reality provide immersive experiences that simulate physical presence in real or imagined environments. It illustrates the capacity of virtual to create perceptible and interactive scenarios without tangible existence. Digital, however, is broader and is fundamental in computing and electronic systems. It signifies the conversion of information into binary code, making data processing, storage, and transmission efficient and versatile, which is essential in various technological applications.
The concept of virtual extends to various domains like virtual meetings and virtual learning, emphasizing interaction and experience without physical presence. It leverages technological advancements to simulate real-life situations, allowing for enhanced accessibility and flexibility. On the flip side, digital technology underpins modern electronic devices and systems, converting information into a format interpretable by computers. It is ubiquitous and pivotal in the development and functioning of electronic devices, platforms, and services, enabling accurate and swift processing of information.
Virtual elements are paramount in creating simulated experiences, enabling individuals to perceive and interact with non-physical environments or objects. It focuses on the simulation of reality, offering experiences that are not tangible but are perceptible. Digital is about the encoding and processing of information, being a foundational aspect of modern technology. It impacts various facets of technology, ensuring precise, reliable, and streamlined handling of data, making it integral in the technological landscape.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Simulated existence created by software.
Representation of data in numerical form.
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Application
Creating perceptible experiences without physical presence.
Encoding and processing of information in computers.
Representation
Appears real through technology.
Encoded in binary code.
Focus
Simulation of reality.
Precise, reliable handling of data.
Ubiquity
Specific to simulated experiences and environments.
Foundational and pervasive in modern technology.
Virtual and Digital Definitions
Virtual
Not physically existing but made to appear by software.
Virtual reality allows users to experience immersive environments.
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Digital
Of or relating to the fingers or touch.
Digital art is created using electronic devices.
Virtual
Simulated by a computer for specific applications.
Many employees now attend virtual meetings as part of remote work.
Digital
Characterized by electronic and especially computerized technology.
The digital age has ushered in a new era of innovation.
Virtual
Being in essence or effect but not in fact.
Online learning is a form of virtual education.
Digital
Relating to data represented in numerical digits.
Digital technology has transformed the way we live and work.
Virtual
Existing in effect but not in actual fact.
A virtual assistant helps manage tasks and schedules online.
Digital
Utilizing a computer or computerized system for information processing.
We use digital platforms to communicate and share information.
Virtual
Almost or nearly as described, but not completely or according to strict definition.
The project is a virtual success thanks to the team’s effort.
Digital
Involving or using numerical digits expressed in a scale of notation to represent discretely all variables occurring in a problem.
Digital computers process information in binary form.
Virtual
Existing or resulting in essence or effect though not in actual fact, form, or name
The virtual extinction of the buffalo.
Digital
Relating to or resembling a digit, especially a finger.
Virtual
Existing in the mind, especially as a product of the imagination. Used in literary criticism of a text.
Digital
Operated or done with the fingers
A digital switch.
Virtual
Existing as or by means of digital media
A virtual classroom.
Digital
Having digits.
Virtual
Relating to or existing in virtual reality
A virtual encounter in a chatroom.
Digital
Expressed in discrete numerical form, especially for use by a computer or other electronic device
Digital information.
Virtual
Emulating the function of another system or device.
Digital
Relating to or being a device that can generate, record, process, receive, transmit, or display information that is represented in discrete numerical form.
Virtual
In effect or essence, if not in fact or reality; imitated, simulated.
In fact a defeat on the battlefield, Tet was a virtual victory for the North, owing to its effect on public opinion.
Virtual addressing allows applications to believe that there is much more physical memory than actually exists.
Digital
Relating to or being a service that provides information expressed in discrete numerical form
We subscribe to digital cable.
Virtual
Having the power of acting or of invisible efficacy without the agency of the material or measurable part; potential.
Digital
Relating to or being a profession or activity that is performed using digital devices
A digital librarian.
Digital photography.
Virtual
Nearly, almost. (A relatively recent development in meaning)
The angry peasants were a virtual army as they attacked the castle.
Digital
Using or giving a reading in digits
A digital clock.
Virtual
Simulated in a computer or online.
The virtual world of his computer game allowed character interaction.
Digital
Characterized by widespread use of computers
Living in the digital age.
Virtual
Operating by computer or in cyberspace; not physically present.
A virtual assistant
A virtual personal trainer
Digital
A key played with the finger, as on a piano.
Virtual
Capable of being overridden with a different implementation in a subclass.
Digital
Having to do with digits (fingers or toes); performed with a finger.
Virtual
(physics) Pertaining to particles in temporary existence due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
Digital
Property of representing values as discrete, often binary, numbers rather than a continuous spectrum.
Digital computer
Digital clock
Virtual
A virtual member function of a class.
Digital
Of or relating to computers or the Information Age.
Digital payment systems are replacing cash transactions.
Virtual
(gambling) A computer simulation of a real-world sport such as horse racing.
Digital
(finance) A digital option.
Virtual
Having the power of acting or of invisible efficacy without the agency of the material or sensible part; potential; energizing.
Heat and cold have a virtual transition, without communication of substance.
Every kind that lives,Fomented by his virtual power, and warmed.
Digital
(uncountable) Digital equipment or technology.
He moved to digital for the first time, using a Sony camera.
Virtual
Being in essence or effect, not in fact; as, the virtual presence of a man in his agent or substitute.
A thing has a virtual existence when it has all the conditions necessary to its actual existence.
To mask by slight differences in the manners a virtual identity in the substance.
Digital
(music) Any of the keys of a piano or similar instrument.
Virtual
Being actually such in almost every respect;
A practical failure
The once elegant temple lay in virtual ruin
Digital
A finger.
Virtual
Being such in essence or effect though not in actual fact;
A virtual dependence on charity
A virtual revolution
Virtual reality
Digital
Of or pertaining to the fingers; done with the fingers; as, digital compression; digital examination.
Digital
Of or pertaining to digits{3}; expressed in digits{3}, or using digits{3}; as, a digital display; a digital clock.
Digital
Performing internal logical and arithmetic operations by means of digits, usually represented as binary numbers. Contrasted to analog, wherein variables are represented as coninuous physical quantities such as voltages or the position of a pointer on a continuous scale; as, a digital computer.
Digital
Of a circuit or device that represents magnitudes in digits;
Digital computer
Digital
Displaying numbers rather than scale positions;
Digital clock
Digital readout
Digital
Relating to or performed with the fingers;
Digital examination
FAQs
Characterized by electronic and especially computerized technology.
"The digital age has ushered in a new era of innovation."
Involving or using numerical digits expressed in a scale of notation to represent discretely all variables occurring in a problem.
"Digital computers process information in binary form."
Utilizing a computer or computerized system for information processing.
"We use digital platforms to communicate and share information."
Relating to data represented in numerical digits.
"Digital technology has transformed the way we live and work."
Of or relating to the fingers or touch.
"Digital art is created using electronic devices."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
