What are primitive data types in JS?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Primitive Data Types in JavaScript
  • String
  • Number
  • Boolean
  • Null
  • Undefined
  • Symbol
  • BigInt
• Conclusion

Introduction

In JavaScript, data is classified into different types based on its nature and behavior. The most basic and essential types are called primitive data types. These types are immutable, meaning their values cannot be changed once assigned. Understanding the primitive data types is crucial for managing and manipulating data in JavaScript.

Primitive Data Types in JavaScript

String

A string is a sequence of characters enclosed in single ('), double ("), or backticks (`). Strings are used to represent textual data in JavaScript.

• Example:

Number

The number type is used to represent both integer and floating-point numbers. JavaScript does not differentiate between different types of numbers like some other languages.

• Example:

Boolean

A boolean represents one of two values: true or false. This type is commonly used in conditional statements to perform logical operations.

• Example:

Null

The null type represents the intentional absence of any object value. It is typically used when you want to explicitly indicate that a variable has no value.

• Example:

Undefined

When a variable is declared but not initialized, its value is undefined. It represents the absence of a value but in an unintentional or unknown state.

• Example:

Symbol

Introduced in ES6 (ECMAScript 2015), the Symbol type is used to create unique identifiers. Symbols are often used to create properties that won't conflict with other property names.

• Example:

BigInt

BigInt is a newer primitive type introduced in ES2020, used for representing integers larger than the Number type can handle. BigInt numbers are created by appending n to the end of an integer.

• Example:

Conclusion

Primitive data types in JavaScript include string, number, boolean, null, undefined, symbol, and bigInt. These are the basic building blocks for any data manipulation in the language. Understanding them is essential for writing clean, efficient code in JavaScript, as they represent the simplest forms of data that can't be altered once created.