Primitive Data Structures
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.
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