A byte stores an 8-bit unsigned number with a storage value range of 0-255. Like characters, variables of byte type only need to be stored in a memory space of one byte (8 bits).
One of the main technical indexes of word length CPU refers to the number of binary digits that CPU can process in parallel at a time, and the word length is always an integer multiple of 8. Usually the word length of PC is 16 bits (early), 32 bits and 64 bits.
Extended data
The same is true for PCs. A PC with a word length of 16 bits can directly process numbers within the power of 2 16 (65536), and numbers exceeding 65536 need to be decomposed.
The reason why a 32-bit pc is superior to a 16-bit PC is that it can handle a large amount of data in one operation. A 32-bit PC can directly handle numbers as high as 4 billion (2 to the 32nd power). The greater the number it can handle, the less the operation and the higher the efficiency of the system.