The primary function of a byte in computing is to serve as a basic unit of data storage. A byte typically consists of eight bits, which can represent values ranging from 0 to 255 in decimal. This allows a byte to encode a single character, such as a letter or symbol, in text processing. Bytes are fundamental to various computing processes, allowing for the organization and manipulation of data in different formats. Therefore, understanding bytes is crucial for tasks involving computer memory, file storage, and data communication within software and hardware systems.