Is Java useful on computer?
Table of Contents
Introduction
In JavaScript, data types play a crucial role in defining how information is stored and processed. Understanding the difference between primitive and non-primitive data types allows developers to write more efficient code. Primitive data types include simple, immutable values, while non-primitive types include complex objects.
Primitive Data Types
JavaScript offers six main primitive data types, which are immutable and directly represent the value.
1. String
A string represents a sequence of characters. Strings are enclosed in quotes, either single (') or double (").
2. Number
This includes both integers and floating-point numbers.
3. Boolean
A boolean type holds one of two values: true or false.
4. Undefined
When a variable is declared but not assigned a value, its type is undefined.
5. Null
null is an assignment value that represents no value.
6. Symbol
Introduced in ECMAScript 6, a Symbol is a unique, immutable value often used as an object property identifier.
Non-Primitive Data Types
Non-primitive data types are mutable and include objects and arrays.
1. Object
An object is a collection of key-value pairs, useful for storing multiple values.
2. Array
An array is an object that stores a list of values, accessed by their index.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Checking Data Type with typeof
The typeof operator is useful for determining the data type of a variable.
Example 2: Distinguishing Null and Undefined
Although both represent an absence of value, null is intentionally assigned, while undefined means a variable has not been initialized.
Conclusion
Primitive data types in JavaScript represent simple, immutable values, while non-primitive types such as objects and arrays represent more complex, mutable structures. Understanding the distinction between these types ensures better handling of variables and memory management in your code.