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I have a file that contains binary strings like

01011
00101
01011

I want to import the file to Mathematica as a list of strings, but 

Import["test.dat", "Table"]

gave me

{{1011}, {101}, {1011}},

which is a list of numbers rather than strings.

What should I do to make sure that the binary strings are read as strings rather than numbers?

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You could use ReadList:

ReadList["test.dat", String]
(* {"01011", "00101", "01011"}  *)
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You have to learn how to use the help file (Do press F1 as often as possible, although to be fair the option is a bit hidden). You are looking for "Numeric"->False option. It can be found by pressing F1 when the text cursor is over Import, click listing of formats, click Table and then option:

str = "01011\n00101\n01011"
ImportString[str, "Table"]
ImportString[str, "Table", "Numeric" -> False]

(*=> {{1011}, {101}, {1011}} *)    
(*=> {{"01011"}, {"00101"}, {"01011"}} *)
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  • $\begingroup$ I did notice ImportString while I was searching the help files. However, ImportString reads from a string. Did you suggest that I have to copy and paste the file contents rather than reading from a file by giving the filename? $\endgroup$ – wdg Jan 23 '14 at 17:11
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    $\begingroup$ @wdg No, not at all. Import and ImportString take the same options. I used ImportString because it's easier to create a self contained example. $\endgroup$ – Ajasja Jan 23 '14 at 17:15
  • $\begingroup$ 5 upvotes for this simple answer, that took me las than 5 min to write as a break? Well thank you. But on this answer (mathematica.stackexchange.com/a/40687/745) I spent more than 3 hours and it only got 2 upvotes. Hmm, I still don't fully understand how mma.se works:) $\endgroup$ – Ajasja Jan 23 '14 at 21:00
  • $\begingroup$ @Ajasja It's because it's simple. Easy to understand the problem and easy to understand the answer. The other question/answer is big and intimidating. $\endgroup$ – wxffles Jan 23 '14 at 23:38
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str = "01011\n00101\n01011";
ImportString[str, "Lines"]

{"01011", "00101", "01011"}

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