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Data Types

The document outlines the principles of programming, focusing on data, objects, variables, and constants. It defines data as raw facts processed by programs, describes objects as entities that store data and have behaviors, and explains variables as named storage locations that can change values, while constants remain fixed. Additionally, it covers data types, including elementary types like numeric, character, string, and boolean, along with the concepts of declaration, assignment, and initialization in programming.

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5 views3 pages

Data Types

The document outlines the principles of programming, focusing on data, objects, variables, and constants. It defines data as raw facts processed by programs, describes objects as entities that store data and have behaviors, and explains variables as named storage locations that can change values, while constants remain fixed. Additionally, it covers data types, including elementary types like numeric, character, string, and boolean, along with the concepts of declaration, assignment, and initialization in programming.

Uploaded by

enjomuzik
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Principles of Programming – Data & Variables

2. Data, Objects, Variables, and Constants

2.1 Data

• Definition: Data is any raw fact or value that a program can process.

o Examples: numbers (25), text ("Hello"), logical values (True/False).

• Computers don’t “understand” data the way humans do — they see everything as
binary (0s and 1s). Data types and structures give meaning to this raw information.

Analogy: Imagine you have ingredients in a kitchen — sugar, flour, eggs. Those are your data.
The recipe (program) decides how to use them.

2.2 Objects

• In programming, an object is like a “thing” that stores data and knows how to act on it.

• Objects combine:

o Attributes (data) → e.g., a “Car” object has color = "red", speed = 60.

o Methods (functions/behavior) → e.g., drive(), brake().

Analogy: Think of a smartphone — it has data (apps, battery level) and behaviors (make call,
send SMS).

2.3 Variables

• Definition: A variable is a named storage location in memory that can hold data.

• Think of it as a container or a labelled box where you can put things in, take them out,
or change them.

Example (Python):

age = 20 # variable called age stores the number 20

name = "Lydia"

• Here, age and name are variables.

• Variables can change over time:


age = 21 # age now holds a new value

2.4 Constants

• Definition: A constant is like a variable, but once given a value, it cannot change during
program execution.

• Used for values that should stay fixed:

o Example: PI = 3.14159

Example (Python convention):

PI = 3.14159 # treated as constant by writing in CAPITALS

Example (Java):

final double PI = 3.14159;

Analogy: If a variable is like a whiteboard you can erase and rewrite, a constant is like a
permanent marker — once written, it stays forever.

3. Data Types

A data type tells the computer what kind of data is being stored and how much memory it
needs.

3.1 Elementary (Primitive) Data Types

These are the simplest, building-block data types.

1. Numeric

o Integer → whole numbers (5, -23, 1000)

o Float/Double → numbers with decimals (3.14, -0.01)

2. Character (char)

o Single letter, digit, or symbol ('A', '7', '#').

3. String

o Sequence of characters ("Hello World").

4. Boolean
o Logical values: True or False.

3.2 Declaration, Assignment, and Initialization

(a) Declaration

• Telling the computer what variable exists and what type of data it will store.

Example (Java):

int age; // declares an integer variable

String name; // declares a string variable

Example (Python):

age = None # declare with no value yet

name = "" # empty string

(b) Assignment

• Giving a variable a value.

• Symbol used: = (assignment operator).

Example:

age = 20 # assigns 20 to age

(c) Initialization

• Declaration and assignment done at the same time.

Example:

int age = 20; // initialized with 20

String name = "Ali"; // initialized with Ali

Example (Python):

age = 20

name = "Ali"

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