C++ Data Types
As explained in the Variables chapter, a variable in C++ must be a specified data type:
Example
int myNum = 5;
// Integer (whole number)
float myFloatNum = 5.99;
// Floating point number
double myDoubleNum = 9.98; // Floating point number
char myLetter = 'D';
// Character
bool
myBoolean = true; // Boolean
string myText = "Hello";
// String
Basic Data Types
The data type specifies the size and type of information the variable will store:
| Data Type | Size | Description |
|---|---|---|
bool |
1 byte | Stores true or false values |
char |
1 byte | Stores a single character/letter/number, or ASCII values |
int |
2 or 4 bytes | Stores whole numbers, without decimals |
float |
4 bytes | Stores fractional numbers, containing one or more decimals. Sufficient for storing 6-7 decimal digits |
double |
8 bytes | Stores fractional numbers, containing one or more decimals. Sufficient for storing 15 decimal digits |
Note: You will learn more about the individual data types in the next chapters.
