Data types in C++ are fundamental building blocks that define what kind of data can be stored in variables and how much memory is allocated. Think of them as labeled containers of different sizes.
Integer types in C++ store whole numbers without decimal points. We have different integer types with varying sizes and ranges. Short uses 2 bytes, int uses 4 bytes, and long uses 8 bytes for larger numbers.
Floating point types store numbers with decimal points. Float uses 4 bytes with 7 digits of precision, while double uses 8 bytes with 15 digits precision, making it ideal for scientific calculations requiring high accuracy.
Character type stores single characters using ASCII values, where each character corresponds to a number from 0 to 255. Boolean type stores logical values - either true or false, represented internally as 1 or 0.
In summary, C++ provides various data types for different purposes. Choose integers for whole numbers, floating point types for decimals, characters for text, and booleans for logical operations. Always consider memory usage and precision requirements when selecting data types for your programs.
C++ provides five fundamental data types. Integer stores whole numbers using 4 bytes. Float stores decimal numbers with about 7 digits precision. Double provides higher precision with 15 digits using 8 bytes. Character stores single letters or symbols using ASCII values. Boolean stores logical true or false values.
The integer family includes short with 2 bytes, int with 4 bytes, long and long long with 8 bytes each. Each type can be signed or unsigned. Signed integers include negative values, while unsigned integers use all bits for positive values, doubling the positive range.
Floating-point types handle decimal numbers with varying precision. Float uses 4 bytes with about 7 digits precision. Double uses 8 bytes with 15 digits precision, making it ideal for scientific calculations. Long double provides maximum precision with 16 bytes. Higher precision requires more memory but reduces rounding errors.
In summary, choose data types based on your specific needs. Use integers for whole numbers, with int being most common. Use float for basic decimal calculations and double for high precision. Character type handles single letters, while boolean stores true or false values. Always initialize variables, use meaningful names, and consider memory usage for optimal performance.