A data type is a classification of data that tells the computer system how to interpret its value. It specifies the type of value a variable has and what type of mathematical, relational, or logical operations can be applied without causing an error. Data types are used in programming languages to define variables and allocate memory for them. They are also used within type systems, which offer various ways of defining, implementing, and using them.
Common data types include:
- Integer: Used to store whole numbers.
- Float: Used to store numbers with a decimal point.
- String: Used to store alphanumeric characters.
- Character: Used to encode text numerically.
- Boolean: Used to represent logical values.
Data types are important because they ensure that data is collected in the preferred format and can be processed correctly. They also help to check the correctness of computer programs that access them.
