Explore the intricacies of binary file formats and reverse engineering in this comprehensive conference talk from ACCU 2023. Delve into the evolution of computer data representation, from basic bits to complex multimedia files. Learn about file format conventions, variable length encoding, protobuf, compression techniques, and data transforms. Discover the pros and cons of creating binary files, various types of binary file structures, and their practical applications. Gain insights into working with binary data, including strategies for finding, using, and grouping information. Perfect for software engineers and enthusiasts interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of digital file systems and reverse engineering techniques.