What are built-in data types? – data types built into the programming language

Explanation of IT Terms

What are built-in data types?

Built-in data types are fundamental data types that are pre-defined in a programming language. These data types are used to store and manipulate different kinds of data within a program. Each programming language typically comes with its own set of built-in data types, although there is some commonality among them.

Commonly used built-in data types include:

1. Integer: An integer data type is used to store whole numbers (positive, negative, or zero) without any decimal places. It represents finite numbers within a specific range, depending on the programming language. Examples include 5, -10, and 0.

2. Float: A float data type, short for floating-point, is used to store decimal numbers. It allows for fractional values and a wider range of numbers compared to integers. Examples include 3.14, -2.5, and 0.75.

3. Character: A character data type is used to store individual characters, such as letters, digits, or symbols. It represents a single character of the programming language’s character set. Examples include ‘A’, ‘b’, and ‘%’.

4. Boolean: A boolean data type represents a binary value, either true or false. It is typically used in conditionals and logical operations. Examples include true and false.

Additional built-in data types:

Apart from the commonly used ones mentioned above, programming languages also include several other built-in data types to handle different types of data. Some examples include:

1. String: A string data type is used to store a sequence of characters. It is commonly used for textual data, such as names, sentences, or paragraphs. Examples include “Hello, world!”, “John Doe”, and “1234”.

2. Array: An array data type is used to store multiple elements of the same data type in a contiguous memory block. It allows for efficient storage and access of a collection of values. Examples include [1, 2, 3, 4] and [“apple”, “banana”, “orange”].

3. Date/Time: Some programming languages provide built-in data types to handle dates and times. These data types allow for manipulation, formatting, and calculations involving dates and times. Examples include “2021-09-15” and “10:30:00 AM”.

It is important for programmers to understand the built-in data types of the programming language they are using. These data types form the foundation for handling and processing data, enabling the creation of more complex algorithms and applications. By utilizing the appropriate data types, programmers can ensure efficient memory usage and accurate computation.

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