C++ Data Types

C++ Data Types

In C++, variables must be declared with a specific data type. This tells the compiler how much memory to allocate and what kind of data the variable will hold.

Basic Data Types

Here are the most common built-in data types:

Data Type Size Description
int 4 bytes Stores whole numbers, e.g., 100, -50
float 4 bytes Stores fractional numbers with 6-7 decimal digits
double 8 bytes Stores fractional numbers with 15 decimal digits
char 1 byte Stores a single character, e.g., 'a', 'Z'
bool 1 byte Stores true or false

Numeric Types

Use int when you don't need decimals. Use double (or float) when you need precision for floating-point values.

Example

int myNum = 1000;
float myFloat = 5.75f;
double myDouble = 19.99;

Understanding data types is essential for memory optimization and preventing unexpected errors in your programs.


Exercise

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Which data type should you use to store a single character like 'A'?