What does EBCDIC primarily encode?

EBCDIC, which stands for Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code, is a character encoding system primarily used for mainframe and midrange computer systems. It encodes a range of characters, including uppercase and lowercase alphabet letters, numeric digits, and special characters. This broad encoding capability allows EBCDIC to represent text data effectively, making it suitable for applications that require textual data processing, especially in environments where IBM systems are prevalent.

The encoding does not support image data or audio data, which are more complex and typically require different encoding standards or formats designed specifically for multimedia content. Therefore, the correct answer highlights EBCDIC's primary function in encoding alphabetic and special characters, reflecting its design and intended use in computing.