Datatype in C
In C programming, data types define the nature of data that can be stored in a variable, determining both the kind of values it can hold and the amount of memory allocated for it. C offers several built-in data types categorized into basic, derived, and user-defined types.
Basic Data Types:
- int: Used for storing integers, typically occupying 4 bytes. Example:
int age = 30;. - float: Represents single-precision floating-point numbers, usually taking 4 bytes. Example:
float salary = 50000.50;. - double: For double-precision floating-point numbers, often using 8 bytes for greater accuracy. Example:
double pi = 3.14159;. - char: Holds a single character and usually occupies 1 byte. Example:
char initial = 'A';.
Derived Data Types:
- Arrays: Collections of similar data types, e.g.,
int numbers[5];. - Pointers: Variables that store memory addresses, e.g.,
int *ptr;. - Structures: Group different data types into a single unit, e.g.,
struct Person { char name[50]; int age; };.
User-defined Data Types:
- Enumeration: Defines a set of named integer constants, enhancing code clarity.
Choosing appropriate data types is crucial for efficient memory management and accurate data representation in C programs.
