Introduction to C++ | Data Types

C++ Data Types

In C++, data types define the type and size of data that can be stored in variables. Understanding C++ data types is essential for working with variables, performing calculations, and managing memory efficiently.

Primitive Data Types

C++ has several built-in primitive data types. These types are the basic building blocks of C++ programs and are divided into the following categories:

1. Integer Types

Integer types store whole numbers (positive or negative). The size of these types depends on the system, but they are typically 4 bytes.

• int: Used to store integer values.
• short: A smaller integer, typically 2 bytes.
• long: A larger integer, typically 4 or 8 bytes depending on the platform.
• long long: An even larger integer, typically 8 bytes.
• unsigned int: Used to store non-negative integers (positive integers and zero).

2. Floating-Point Types

Floating-point types are used to represent numbers with a fractional part (decimals).

• float: Stores 4-byte floating-point numbers.
• double: Stores 8-byte floating-point numbers (more precision than float).
• long double: Stores extended precision floating-point numbers, usually 8 or 12 bytes depending on the platform.

3. Character Type

The char data type is used to store individual characters, typically 1 byte in size.

• char: Stores a single character (e.g., 'A', 'B', '3').
• unsigned char: Stores a single character, but can represent a larger range of values (0-255).

4. Boolean Type

The bool data type is used to represent truth values. It can store either true or false.

5. Void Type

The void data type represents the absence of data. It is often used for functions that do not return a value.

Derived Data Types

In addition to the primitive data types, C++ also allows the creation of derived data types such as:

• Arrays: A collection of elements of the same type.
• Pointers: Variables that store memory addresses.
• References: An alias for another variable.
• Structures: A user-defined data type that groups different data types together.

Code Example: Using Data Types in C++

Here’s an example demonstrating the use of various data types in a C++ program.

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
int a = 10;
float b = 20.5;
double c = 30.123456;
char d = 'C';
bool isCPlusPlus = true;
long long e = 1234567890;

cout << "Integer a: " << a << endl;
cout << "Float b: " << b << endl;
cout << "Double c: " << c << endl;
cout << "Character d: " << d << endl;
cout << "Boolean isCPlusPlus: " << isCPlusPlus << endl;
cout << "Long long e: " << e << endl;

return 0;
}
        

Output

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