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Explain and Discuss All Data Types in Java Programming - Complete Guide

Explain and Discuss All Data Types in Java Programming - Complete Guide

By Upskill Campus
Published Date:   12th August, 2024 Uploaded By:    Priyanka Yadav
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Java is a programming language for building digital things. Inside this programming language, you have basic tools called "data types" that help you store different information. Simple tools like numbers, letters, and true/false values are for small jobs. For bigger projects, you have tools to group and organize information, like boxes for holding many numbers or blueprints for creating custom parts. Knowing how to use these data types in Java is essential to building strong and efficient digital structures.

 

Understanding Data Types in Java

 

In Java, these data types hold different kinds of information. Each data type has a specific size and shape to fit certain things. For example, a numbered data type can hold whole numbers, while another can hold decimal numbers.

There are two prominent Java data types: simple ones and complex ones. Simple data types can only hold one piece of information at a time, like a single number or letter. Complex types can have multiple pieces of information or even other data types. Understanding these containers is necessary because it helps you decide what kind of information your Java programs will work with. 

 

Explain Different Data Types Available in Java

 

Here, we will define two kinds of data types supported by Java, Primitive data types and non-primitive data types. First, we will elaborate on the Primitive data types and then discuss the second in detail. Just follow the sequence to clear your doubts. 

 

What are Primitive Data Types?

 

They are the simplest forms of data that the language understands directly. Each type has a specific size and range of values it can hold.
 

Types of Primitive Data Types in Java
 

  1. Numeric Types
     
  • Byte: Stores small whole numbers (-128 to 127). It is used for saving memory when dealing with large arrays of small numbers.
  • Short: Stores larger whole numbers than bytes (-32,768 to 32,767). Also, they are used for memory efficiency when dealing with large datasets.
  • Int: The most commonly used type for whole numbers. It can hold numbers from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647.
  • Long: For vast whole numbers. Its range is much wider than int.
  • Float: Represents single-precision floating-point numbers (numbers with decimal points). In addition, they are used for approximate calculations.
  • Double: Represents double-precision floating-point numbers. Moreover, it provides more precision than float.
     
  1. Character Type
     
  • Char: Stores a single character. It uses Unicode to represent characters, allowing for a wide range of characters, including letters, numbers, and symbols.


 

char variable_name;

  1. Boolean Type
     
  • Boolean: Represents logical values, either true or false. They are used for conditions and control flow.
     

Key Points: 
 

  • The Virtual Machine directly handles primitive data types in Java for efficiency.
  • They are immutable, meaning their values cannot be changed once assigned.
  • Choose the appropriate data type in Java programming based on the range of values you need to store and memory considerations.
     

Example
 

byte age = 25; // Stores an age as a byte

int salary = 50000; // Stores a salary as an int

double pi = 3.14159; // Stores pi as a double

char initial = 'A'; // Stores a character

boolean isStudent = true; // Stores a boolean value

In short, primitive data types are the fundamental data structures in Java that provide the foundation for building more complex data types and applications.

 

What are Non- Primitive Data Types?

 

Unlike Primitive data types, there are other data types in Java called non-primitive data types. Instead of holding the information directly, they have a kind of map that points to where the information is stored in the computer's memory. Moreover, you create these containers yourself, and they can contain more complex things than the Primitive data types containers we talked about earlier. We'll explore these Java all data types in more detail soon.
 

  • Arrays: An array is a list of items, all of the same type, stored in a single data type. In short, it's a row of boxes where each box holds the same thing (numbers, words, etc.).

data_type array_name[array_size];
 

  • Strings: A string is specifically for storing text. It includes data types in Java that hold a sequence of characters. You can think of it as a label or a message.

public class Main {

public static void main(String[] args) {

String greeting = "Welcome to ScholarHat";

System.out.println(greeting);

}

}

  • Classes: Classes are blueprints for creating objects. They define the properties and behaviors of a thing. You can create many objects from the same class, each with its unique characteristics.

access_modifier class

{

data members

methods

}

  • Objects: Objects are real-world entities represented in code. They are created from classes. For example, a "car" class can create many "car" objects, each with its color, model, and other properties.

public class ScholarHat {

int x = 50;

public static void main(String[] args) {

ScholarHat myObj = new ScholarHat();

System.out.println(myObj.x);

}

}

  • Interfaces: Interfaces are like contracts that define what a class must do. They specify actions that a class must implement.

In summary, non-primitive data types are essential for building complex applications in Java. They allow you to organize and manage data efficiently.

 

Data Type in Java Examples

 

Here, we will discuss various examples of all data types in Java programming language.

Example 1: 

{

public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {

int a = 10;

short s = 2;

byte b = 6;

long l = 125362133223l;

float f = 65.20298f;

double d = 876.765d;

System.out.println("The integer variable is " + a);

System.out.println("The short variable is " + s);

System.out.println("The byte variable is " + b);

System.out.println("The long variable is " + l);

System.out.println("The float variable is " + f);

System.out.println("The double variable is " + d);

}

}


Example 2: 
 

class ByteExample {

public static void main(String[] args) {

byte n, a;

n = 127;

a=177;

System.out.println(n); // prints 127

System.out.println(a); // throws an error because it cannot store more than 127 bits

}

}


Example 3: 
 

public class ClassCarExample {

// Instance variables or fields

String color;

int speed;

//Method start that gets the car started

public void start() {

System.out.println("The car has started.");

}

//Method accelerate that increases the speed of the car by 10 km/h

public void accelerate() {

speed += 10;

System.out.println("The car is accelerating. Current speed: " + speed + " km/h");

}

//Method brake that reduces the speed of the car by 5 each time the method is called

 

public void brake() {

speed -= 5;

System.out.println("The car is braking. Current speed: " + speed + " km/h");

}

}

 

Conclusion

 

Data types in Java are the foundation. Moreover, they determine the kind of information you can store and manipulate. Understanding data types is crucial for building efficient and effective code, from simple numbers and characters to complex structures like arrays and objects. By carefully selecting the right data type for each piece of information, you can optimize memory usage, improve performance, and create robust applications. Mastering data types is essential for any Java programmer.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q1. What is a keyword in Java?

Ans. Java has keywords that have specific meanings. However, you can't use them for other things like naming your variables or functions. They're essential for telling the computer what to do.


Q2. What are Java variables?

Ans. You can put different kinds of things in these Java variables. For example, you can store words like "Hello" in a " greeting " box. In programming, these boxes are called variables, and the things you put in them are called values.

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Upskill Campus

UpskillCampus provides career assistance facilities not only with their courses but with their applications from Salary builder to Career assistance, they also help School students with what an individual needs to opt for a better career.

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