Use of Data Types in Computer Science

Data types are functions that feed the computer with a chunk of data and help it interpret its value. It uses some memory space to carry out this operation and makes itself useful by storing various data types in its memory. Furthermore, each data type variable is unique in terms of functionalities and requires a different amount of memory space for executing some specific operation.

For implementing a well-structured data tracking plan, it is vital to define event and entity properties properly. By doing so, we create a data type for every property, which ensures data accuracy and minimal data loss. But, before going to these complex concepts, let us learn about some basic common data types in computer science.

Types of variables in computer science

Each data type is unique from the other in terms of memory space and functionalities. Let’s briefly look at what types of variables in computer science are and the conditions that make them so important. 

• Integer data type

As the name suggests, an integer data type is responsible for storing an integer value. This value can be either positive or negative as well as a zero. However, the value could not be decimal because the integer variable does not support the decimal value. Therefore, if any value is found in such a format, it is dealt with approximations. This approximation is made by neglecting the decimals and only considering the numbers as the value for the corresponding function. Using a decimal function, then using the” float” would be the best choice.

The integer data type is symbolised with the keyword “int .” Being a short form of integer, the “int” variable can accept signed and unsigned values. The major difference between signed and unsigned functions is that the range diverges between [-2147483648 to 2147483647] for a signed integer and between [0 to 4294967295] for an unsigned value. Also, the signed integer is represented in two’s-complement notation while the unsigned integer is not.

The signed and unsigned are further subclassified as long int and short int. This function plays with the memory of the integer data type. Additionally, these functions can be divided into a signed long int, signed short int, unsigned long int, and unsigned short int. A standard “int” variable takes an average space of 2 bytes or 4 bytes in a system, but when the prefix “short” is attached, the value of memory space taken drops to 2 bytes. In the same way, if the prefix “long” is mixed with the integer, then the memory space utilised increases its value to 8 bytes or 4 bytes depending on the 64-bit type and 32-bit type operating system, respectively.

• Floating-point data types

The floating-point data types cover up the drawback of the “int” variable. The float variables store decimal values up to the sixth digit’s decimal space. A floating-point data type is symbolised with the keyword” float” and covers up the memory space with its storage size of 4 bytes. While programming, the float function is called by using a %f abbreviation and stores the value of the floating type with abundant zeroes. For example, a float variable could come in handy for storing values like 17.87654 and many other floating different types of data in computer science.

Along with that, float makes its value of use much more significant by using the double data type variable. Simply inserting a ” double ” prefix beside a standard float function makes it a double float data type. The significant difference is that the double variable can store a value up to 10 decimal places, while a standard float could store only six. A “double” variable ranges from 1E–37 to 1E+37. For better understanding, consider the examples given below.

1. Standard float variable: 35.87554
2. Double float variable: 35.8755463737

• Char Data type

The word “char” stands for character. A character (char) variable is used to store characters values. Character values are the ASCII code provided universally and can be easily obtained at the end of this paragraph. Along with keeping character values, a char variable can also store a numerical value. Thus if we want to create a string, create an array of the character (char) data type. This array can store a single letter, digit, punctuation mark, symbol, or blank space.  

Format specifiers for data types

With the help of a format specifier, the compiler knows the data type inserted for that particular value. For example, the specifier for a float variable is “%f”, and for an integer variable is “%d.” It should be noted that the format specifier of the respective data type should be used only and only to represent themselves. In other words, “%d” when used for expressing an integer value, the computer will throw a garbage value on the screen, which won’t match the result you are looking for. Hence, using “%f” for floating variables and “%d” for integer variables is the right way to proceed. Furthermore, the format specifier for a character value is “%c,” and for a case of a string or collection of arrays, the specifier is “%s” in the program. 

Also, the signed integer is identified by ‘% d’, unsigned integer by ‘% i’, signed short integer by ‘%hi,’ and unsigned short integer by ‘%hu.’ Also, the format specifiers’ %l,’ ‘%ld,’ and ‘%li’ represent the long integer.

Uses of Data types

Making the foundation stronger is what makes the structure unbreakable. Learning data types is the same as building up the core foundation for a better conceptual understanding by reading the study material given above on different types of data in computer science. , you must have a brief idea about the functions and definitions of data types. Now, let’s discuss in which part the data types make their contribution.

• Identify the type of a variable when it is declared
• Catch the return value of a function
• Take hold of the type of parameter expected by a function
• Memory allocations
• For creating pseudocode in the analysis of algorithm

Conclusion

To become a successful programmer, it is essential to learn the data types as they are the basic concept in the programming language. For example, the integer data type is used to store an integer value, while a floating data type stores a number with a decimal in it. Furthermore, character values can be stored using the char data type with the format specifiers as “%s” or “%c.” These concepts are crucial to learning as they carry a huge weight in examinations. Also, writing inefficient code for the applications might drop the performance; these different types of data in computer science help you overcome these cliches.