Data type

A data type is a classification that dictates what a variable or object can hold in computer programming and lets a computer know how to interpret the data's value. For example, a data type might dictate the range of a set of values and which mathematical operations may be performed on them.

Data types are an important factor in virtually all computer programming languages, including C#, C++, JavaScript, and Visual Basic. When programmers create computer applications, both desktop and web-based, data types must be referenced and used correctly to ensure the proper result and an error-free program.

Common examples of data types

• Boolean (e.g., True or False)
• Character (e.g., a)
• Date (e.g., 05/21/2024)
• Double (e.g., 1.79769313486232E308)
• Floating-point number (e.g., 1.234)
• Integer (e.g., 1234)
• Long (e.g., 123456789)
• Short (e.g., 0)
• String (e.g., abcd)
• Void (e.g., no data)

Depending on the programming language, there may also be many more data types that serve a specific function and store data in a particular way. Understanding the different data types allows programmers to design computer applications more efficiently and accurately.

Boolean, Character, Database terms, Float, Integer, Object, Programming terms, Short, String, UInt32