What are data types in PPL?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• 1. Primitive Data Types
  • Common Primitive Data Types
• 2. Derived Data Types
  • Common Derived Data Types
• 3. Abstract Data Types (ADT)
  • Common Abstract Data Types
• 4. User-Defined Data Types
  • Examples of User-Defined Data Types
• Conclusion
  • Key Categories of Data Types

Introduction

In Programming Languages (PPL), a data type defines the kind of data a variable can hold. Data types help programmers specify what kind of operations can be performed on the data.

Every programming language has its own set of data types, but they can generally be classified into primitive, derived, and abstract data types.

1. Primitive Data Types

Primitive data types are the basic building blocks of data in a programming language.

Common Primitive Data Types

Data Type	Description	Example
Integer	Stores whole numbers	int num = 10; (C, C++)
Float/Double	Stores decimal numbers	float pi = 3.14;
Character	Stores a single character	char letter = 'A';
Boolean	Stores true or false	bool isActive = true;
String	Stores sequences of characters	String name = "John"; (Java, Python)

Some languages, like Python, do not differentiate between int and float, while others, like C, use separate types like float and double for precision.

2. Derived Data Types

Derived data types are built using primitive types.

Common Derived Data Types

Data Type	Description	Example
Array	Collection of elements of the same type	int arr[5] = {1,2,3,4,5}; (C++)
Pointer	Stores memory addresses	int *ptr = # (C++)
Reference	Alias for another variable	int &ref = num; (C++)

Some languages, like Python, do not have explicit pointers, while languages like C and C++ use them heavily.

3. Abstract Data Types (ADT)

Abstract Data Types (ADTs) are high-level data structures designed to handle complex operations.

Common Abstract Data Types

Data Type	Description
List	Ordered collection of elements
Stack	Follows Last In First Out (LIFO)
Queue	Follows First In First Out (FIFO)
Linked List	Collection of nodes linked together
Tree	Hierarchical data structure
Graph	Set of nodes connected by edges

4. User-Defined Data Types

Some languages allow users to create their own data types.

Examples of User-Defined Data Types

Type	Example (C++)
Structure (struct)	struct Employee { int id; string name; };
Class	class Car { int speed; };
Union	union Data { int i; float f; };
Enum	enum Days { Mon, Tue, Wed };

Conclusion

Data types in programming languages help define how data is stored, processed, and manipulated.

Key Categories of Data Types

1. Primitive Data Types (Integer, Float, Boolean, Character)
2. Derived Data Types (Array, Pointer, Reference)
3. Abstract Data Types (ADTs) (Stack, Queue, Linked List, Tree, Graph)
4. User-Defined Data Types (Struct, Class, Enum, Union)

Understanding data types is crucial for efficient memory usage and optimized performance in programming.