In programming, a data type is a classification of data that tells the compiler or interpreter how the programmer intends to use the data. Most programming languages support various types of data, including integers, real numbers, characters or strings, and Booleans. The data type defines which operations can safely be performed to create, transform, and use the variable in another computation. For example, many programming languages use the data type string to classify text, integer to identify whole numbers, and floating point to designate numbers with decimal points.
Here are some common data types used in programming:
- Integer
- Character
- Date
- Floating point (real)
- Long
- Short
- String
- Boolean
The data type specification in a program constrains the possible values that an expression, such as a variable or a function call, might take. It is frequently a matter of good organization that aids the understanding of complex definitions. Almost all programming languages explicitly include the notion of data type, though the possible data types and their implementation may differ.
