Data Types
Data types specify the different sizes and
values that can be stored in the variable.
Primitive data types: The primitive data
types include boolean, char, byte, short,
int, long, float and double.
Non-primitive data types: The non-
primitive data types include Classes,
Interfaces, and Arrays.
Data Type Size Description
byte 1 byte Stores whole numbers from -128 to 127
short 2 bytes Stores whole numbers from -32,768 to 32,767
int 4 bytes Stores whole numbers from -2,147,483,648 to
2,147,483,647
long 8 bytes Stores whole numbers from -
9,223,372,036,854,775,808 to
9,223,372,036,854,775,807
float 4 bytes Stores fractional numbers. Sufficient for storing 6 to
7 decimal digits
double 8 bytes Stores fractional numbers. Sufficient for storing 15
decimal digits
boolean 1 bit Stores true or false values
char 2 bytes Stores a single character/letter
Boolean Data Type
The Boolean data type is used to store only two possible values: true and false. This data
type is used for simple flags that track true/false conditions.
Example: Boolean one = false
Byte Data Type
The byte data type is an example of primitive data type. It isan 8-bit signed two's
complement integer. Its value-range lies between -128 to 127 (inclusive). Its minimum
value is -128 and maximum value is 127.
It saves space because a byte is 4 times smaller than an integer. It can also be used in
place of "int" data type.
Example: byte a = 10, byte b = -20
Short Data Type
The short data type is a 16-bit signed two's complement integer. Its value-range lies
between -32,768 to 32,767 (inclusive). Its minimum value is -32,768 and maximum value
is 32,767.
Example: short s = 10000, short r = -5000
Int Data Type
The int data type is a 32-bit signed two's complement integer. Its value-range lies between
- 2,147,483,648 (-2^31) to 2,147,483,647 (2^31 -1) (inclusive).
Example: int a = 100000, int b = -200000
Long Data Type
The long data type is a 64-bit two's complement integer. Its value-range lies between -
9,223,372,036,854,775,808(-2^63) to 9,223,372,036,854,775,807(2^63 -1)(inclusive). The
long data type is used when you need a range of values more than those provided by int.
Example: long a = 100000L, long b = -200000L
Float Data Type
The float data type is a single-precision 32-bit IEEE 754 floating point.Its value range is
unlimited. It is recommended to use a float (instead of double) if you need to save
memory in large arrays of floating point numbers. The float data type should never be
used for precise values, such as currency. Its default value is 0.0F.
Example: float f1 = 234.5f
Double Data Type
The double data type is a double-precision 64-bit IEEE 754 floating point. Its value range is
unlimited. The double data type is generally used for decimal values just like float. The
double data type also should never be used for precise values, such as currency. Its default
value is 0.0d.
Example: double d1 = 12.3
Char Data Type
The char data type is a single 16-bit Unicode character. Its value-range lies between '\
u0000' (or 0) to '\uffff' (or 65,535 inclusive).The char data type is used to store characters.
Example: char letterA = 'A'
