What does the 'D' in D flip-flop stand for?

The 'D' in D flip-flop stands for Data. A D flip-flop is a type of digital storage element that captures the value of the data input (D) on the rising or falling edge of a clock signal. This means that the flip-flop will output the stored data (Q) only when the clock signal changes, thus making it synchronous and more predictable in operation.

This naming convention highlights the primary function of the flip-flop, which is to store data bits. By focusing on the data, the D flip-flop offers a streamlined way to facilitate memory storage and processing within digital circuits, making it widely used in registers, counters, and other sequential logic applications.