What are the primitive data types?
Table of Contents
Introduction
In JavaScript, primitive data types are the most basic forms of data that cannot be broken down into simpler types. They are immutable, meaning their values cannot be changed after creation. Understanding these data types is essential for effective programming in JavaScript.
Primitive Data Types in JavaScript
1. String
A string represents a sequence of characters enclosed in single quotes, double quotes, or backticks. Strings can be used to store and manipulate text.
- Example:
2. Number
The number data type represents both integer and floating-point numbers. In JavaScript, all numbers are of the Number
type.
- Example:
3. Boolean
A boolean represents a logical entity and can have one of two values: true
or false
. Booleans are commonly used in conditional statements.
- Example:
4. Undefined
The undefined
type indicates a variable that has been declared but has not yet been assigned a value. It is also the default value for uninitialized variables.
- Example:
5. Null
null
is a special value that represents the intentional absence of any object value. It is often used to indicate that a variable should have no value.
- Example:
6. Symbol
A Symbol
is a unique and immutable value that is primarily used as an object property key. Each symbol is guaranteed to be unique.
- Example:
7. BigInt
BigInt
is a relatively new addition to JavaScript, allowing the representation of integers larger than 2^53 - 1
, which is the maximum safe integer value in JavaScript.
- Example:
Conclusion
In summary, JavaScript has seven primitive data types: string, number, boolean, undefined, null, symbol, and bigint. Each type serves a specific purpose and understanding them is crucial for effective programming and data manipulation in JavaScript.