Primitive Data Structures

Primitive Data Structures – Complete English Guide

Primitive Data Structures are basic data types that are directly stored in computer memory. They represent simple data and serve as a foundation for complex data structures. Understanding them is very important for programming.

Key Points:

  • They are the simplest and most basic types of data storage.
  • Usually store a single value.
  • They act as building blocks for programming.
  • Stored directly in memory, providing fast access.
  • Available in almost all programming languages (C, C++, Java, Python).

1. Integer (int)

Definition: An integer is a whole number (positive, negative, or zero) stored without decimal points.

  • Supports arithmetic operations: +, -, *, /
  • Memory size: 4 bytes (usually in C/C++)
  • Real-life examples: age, marks, number of items, counter, loop iteration
  • Can be signed or unsigned; signed integers can store negative values.
int age = 21;          
int temperature = -5;  
int items = 100;       
    

2. Float (Decimal Numbers / Real Numbers)

Definition: A float (or real number) is a number that is represented with decimals.

  • Stores fractional numbers.
  • Decimal calculations are accurate in arithmetic operations.
  • Memory size: 4 bytes (C/C++)
  • Real-life examples: price, weight, height, temperature, GPA
  • Comparisons can be tricky due to precision errors.
float price = 99.99;   
float weight = 65.5;   
float temperature = 36.6;
    

3. Character (char)

Definition: A character represents a single symbol, letter, or number.

  • Stores only one character.
  • Stored in memory using ASCII or Unicode.
  • Memory size: 1 byte.
  • Real-life examples: initials, grade symbols, keyboard input, single-letter variables.
  • Characters can also be converted to integers using their ASCII values.
char grade = 'A';   
char initial = 'N'; 
char symbol = '#';  
    

4. Boolean (bool)

Definition: Boolean stores only true or false values.

  • Used for logic and decision making.
  • Used in conditional statements (if, while, for loops).
  • Memory size: 1 byte (language dependent)
  • Real-life examples: login status, switch on/off, flag variables
  • Booleans are essential for controlling program flow.
bool isStudent = true;   
bool isLoggedIn = false; 
    

5. String (Array of Characters)

Definition: A string is a sequence of characters, usually used to store text.

  • Continuous sequence of characters.
  • The null character (\0) defines the end of the string (in C/C++).
  • Length can be variable or fixed.
  • Real-life examples: name, city, message, email, password
  • Strings support concatenation, comparison, and substring extraction.
char name[] = "Nitesh";       
char city[] = "Indore";       
char message[] = "Hello World"; 
    

Quick Summary Table

Data Type What It Stores Example Memory Size Additional Notes
Integer Whole numbers (without decimals) 10, -5, 0 4 bytes Signed and unsigned integers
Float Decimal / fractional numbers 5.5, 99.99 4 bytes Precision can be tricky
Character Single letter / symbol / number 'A', '#', '5' 1 byte Stored using ASCII / Unicode
Boolean True / False true, false 1 byte For logic and decision making
String Sequence of characters (text) "Hello", "Nitesh" Variable Supports concatenation, substring, comparison

Tips for Exams & Programming

  • These are the base types of programming; memorize them well.
  • Operations differ for each type: arithmetic, logic, comparison, concatenation.
  • Stored directly in memory and serve as the foundation for complex structures.
  • Remembering them with real-life examples makes it easier to retain.
  • Revising the table and examples is crucial for exams.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Data Abstraction

Data Abstraction

Data Structure Ka Parichay Aur Prakar (Introduction and Types of Data Structure)