DataTypes in Java

What is a Data Type?

A data type in Java defines the type of data a variable can store. It tells the compiler whether the variable will hold a number, a character, true/false, or an object.

Two Types of Data Types :

• Primitive DataType
• Non-Primitive DataType

Primitive DataType:

Primitive data types are the basic, built-in types in Java used to store simple values like numbers, characters, and true/false.

The 8 primitive types are:

1. - byte – small integers
2. - short – medium integers
3. - int – large integers
4. - long – very large integers
5. - float – decimal numbers (less precise)
6. - double – decimal numbers (more precise)
7. - char – single character
8. - boolean – true or false

Non-Primitive DataType

Non-primitive data types, also called reference types, are types derived from classes. They are used to store objects or more complex data rather than simple values.

Examples:

• String → stores text
• Arrays → stores multiple values of the same type
• Classes and Objects → store user-defined data
• Interface → defines a contract for classes