What is primitive and non-primitive?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Primitive Data Types
  • Characteristics of Primitive Data Types
  • Example of Primitive Data Type
• Non-Primitive Data Types
  • Characteristics of Non-Primitive Data Types
  • Example of Non-Primitive Data Type
• Conclusion

Introduction

In JavaScript, data types are broadly categorized into primitive and non-primitive types. Understanding these categories is essential for effective programming, as they exhibit different behaviors and characteristics.

Primitive Data Types

Characteristics of Primitive Data Types

• Immutable: Once created, primitive values cannot be changed. Any operation on a primitive type results in a new value.
• Stored by Value: When a primitive value is assigned to a variable, the actual value is stored in that variable.
• Examples: The primitive data types in JavaScript include:
  • String: Represents text.
  • Number: Represents numeric values (both integers and floating-point).
  • Boolean: Represents a logical value (true or false).
  • Undefined: Indicates a variable that has been declared but not assigned a value.
  • Null: Represents an intentional absence of value.
  • Symbol: A unique and immutable value used as object property keys.
  • BigInt: A data type for representing large integers.

Example of Primitive Data Type

Non-Primitive Data Types

Characteristics of Non-Primitive Data Types

• Mutable: Non-primitive values can be changed. You can add, modify, or delete properties of an object or elements of an array.
• Stored by Reference: When a non-primitive value is assigned to a variable, the variable holds a reference to the location in memory where the value is stored, not the value itself.
• Examples: The primary non-primitive data types in JavaScript include:
  • Object: A collection of key-value pairs.
  • Array: A special type of object for storing ordered lists of values.
  • Function: A first-class object that can be called and passed around as a value.

Example of Non-Primitive Data Type

Conclusion

In summary, the primary difference between primitive and non-primitive data types in JavaScript lies in their mutability and how they are stored in memory. Primitive data types are immutable and stored by value, while non-primitive data types are mutable and stored by reference. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective data management and manipulation in JavaScript programming.