What are Data types in C++

What are Data types in C++

  • In C++, data types are classifications that specify which type of data a variable can hold.
  • Data types in C++ are crucial because they help ensure type safety, memory allocation, and efficient use of resources. C++ provides a wide range of data types such as

Data Types in C++

  • Primary or Built-in or Fundamental data type
  • Derived data types
  • User-defined data types

Primary or Built-in or Fundamental data type

  • Primary data types are the most basic data types in C++. They represent individual values and include:
  • int: Represents integers (whole numbers).
  • float: Represents single-precision floating-point numbers.
  • double: Represents double-precision floating-point numbers.
  • char: Represents a single character.
  • bool: Represents boolean values (true or false). for example
1#include <iostream>
2using namespace std;
3
4int main() {
5    int integerVar = 42;
6    float floatVar = 3.14;
7    double doubleVar = 2.71828;
8    char charVar = 'A';
9    bool boolVar = true;
10
11    cout << "Integer: " << integerVar << endl;
12    cout << "Float: " << floatVar << endl;
13    cout << "Double: " << doubleVar << endl;
14    cout << "Char: " << charVar << endl;
15    cout << "Bool: " << boolVar << endl;
16
17    return 0;
18}

Derived Data Types

  • Derived data types are created by combining fundamental data types or other derived types. Common derived data types include:
  • Array: Represents a gathering of elements that share the same data type.
  • Pointer: Holds the memory location or address of another variable.

User-Defined Data Types

  • User-defined data types are created by programmers to meet specific requirements.
  • The most common form of user-defined data types is classes, which encapsulate data and behavior into a single unit.

What are identifiers in C++?

  • In C++, an identifier is a name given to various program elements such as variables, functions, classes, and more.
  • Identifiers are used to uniquely identify and access these elements within your C++ program. for instance:

Naming Rules

  • C++ is case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters are distinct. For example, "myVar" and "myvar" are treated as different identifiers.
  • Identifiers cannot be C++ keywords (reserved words used for language-specific purposes).

Examples of Identifiers

  • Variable identifiers: int age, double salary.
  • Function identifiers: void calculateArea(), int main().
  • Class identifiers: class Rectangle, class Student.

C++ keywords

  • C++ keywords, also known as reserved words, are a set of predefined words in the C++ programming language that have special meanings and are reserved for specific purposes.
  • These keywords cannot be used as identifiers (names for variables, functions, classes, etc.) because they have predefined roles within the language.
  • Here are some common C++ keywords:
  • Data Types in C++
  • int, double, char, bool, void.
  • Control Flow
  • if, else, switch, case, default.
  • Loops
  • while, for, do
  • Functions
  • return, void
  • Classes and Objects
  • class, struct, new, delete
  • Access Control
  • public, private, protected
  • Others
  • const, static, sizeof, namespace.

C++ Data literals

In C++, data literals, also known as literals, are constant values that are directly specified within the source code of a program.

C++ Type Conversion

  • In C++, type conversion (also known as type casting or data type conversion) refers to the process of converting one data type into another.
  • This is done to facilitate operations between values of different data types or to ensure that data is compatible with a specific operation.

Conclusion

In C++, data types define the kind of values variables can hold, enabling precise memory allocation and operations.