Page buffer related to performing a program operation, memory device including a page buffer, and method of operating the page buffer

A method of operating a page buffer connected to a memory cell through a bit line, the method comprising:

• precharging the bit line and a sensing node;
• performing a first evaluation operation on the sensing node based on a first evaluation time;
• storing a first bit value, determined based on the first evaluation operation, in a first latch;
• performing a second evaluation operation based on a second evaluation time longer than the first evaluation time;
• storing a second bit value determined based on the second evaluation operation in a second latch;
• performing a third evaluation operation based on a third evaluation time longer than the second evaluation time;
• storing the first bit value, determined based on the third evaluation operation, in the first latch;
• determining whether a verify operation has passed, based on the first bit value determined based on the third evaluation operation and the second bit value determined based on the second evaluation operation;
• and
• control a voltage that is applied to the bit line, based on the first bit value determined based on the third evaluation operation and the second bit value determined based on the second evaluation operation.