List of All Data Types in C Programming Language

Written By The IoT Academy
Published on February 29th, 2024

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on data types in the C programming language. Understanding data types is fundamental to writing efficient and error-free code in C. Whether you’re a beginner just starting with C programming or an experienced developer looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will cover everything you need to know about data types in C.

Table of Contents

What are Data Types in C?

In C, data types tell us what kind of information a variable can hold, like numbers or characters. Basic types are simple, such as int for whole numbers and char for individual characters. Derived types, like arrays and structures, let us group data. As well as picking the right data type is super important for saving memory and storing our data accurately.

Data Types in C

C programming language provides several built-in data types, each serving a specific purpose. These data types can be categorized into primary data types, derived data types, and user-defined data types. In this section, we’ll delve into the primary data types and sizes in C.

1. Integer Types: Integers are numbers without fractions. However, their size and range can change based on the compiler and system. Here are the basic data types in c programming:

int: The most common integer type in C Programming language is ‘int’. It usually takes up 4 bytes of memory. Also, can handle numbers between -2,147,483,648 and 2,147,483,647 on most computers.
short: In C programming, there’s another integer type called ‘short’, sometimes written as ‘short int’. It takes up 2 bytes of memory and can handle numbers between -32,768 and 32,767.
long: Long integers usually take up either 4 bytes of memory on 32-bit systems or 8 bytes on 64-bit systems. They can handle larger values compared to ‘int’, ranging from -9,223,372,036,854,775,808 to 9,223,372,036,854,775,807 on 64-bit systems.
long-long: This is an upgraded version of the long integer type, introduced in the C99 standard. It usually takes up 8 bytes of memory and can handle larger values than ‘long’, ranging from -9,223,372,036,854,775,808 to 9,223,372,036,854,775,807.

2. Floating-point Types: In C Programming Language we use Floating-point types to represent real numbers with a fractional part. Also, they are useful for tasks involving calculations with decimal points. C supports three floating-point types:

float: This is the basic type for decimal numbers in C. It usually takes up 4 bytes of memory. As well as it can handle numbers from about 1.2E-38 to 3.4E+38, with an accuracy of 6 decimal digits.
double: Double is a type for decimal numbers with double precision in C. It usually uses 8 bytes of memory. Also, it can handle numbers from about 2.3E-308 to 1.7E+308, with a precision of 15 decimal digits.
long double: Long double is a type for decimal numbers with extended precision in C. It usually needs 10 bytes of memory or more and offers even more accuracy than double, although its size and precision can differ based on the system.

3. Character Type: The character type, ‘char’, stores single characters like letters and symbols. In brief, it usually uses 1 byte of memory and can represent ASCII characters from 0 to 255.

Types of Data Types in C

Besides the main data types, C also has derived data types that come from the main ones. These include arrays, pointers, structures, unions, and enums, making it possible to create more complex data structures. That is needed for efficient and scalable programs. Here are the types of derived data types in C:

Arrays: Arrays are like groups of similar things stored together in order. They help you keep lots of stuff organized under one name. The last is which makes it easy to store and find things quickly.
Pointers: Pointers work like signs, showing the address of things in memory. In C, they are really handy for tasks like making space for new data. As well as Finding elements in arrays, and building cool stuff like lists and trees.
Structures: Structures help you create new types of data by putting different kinds of information together under one name. In short, like describing a person or a shape.
Unions: Unions are like structures but can only store one piece of data at a time. Which saves memory when you need to store different types of information in the same place.
Enums: Enums let you give names to a group of things, making your code easier to understand and manage. They often display a certain range of choices, such as days of the week or different kinds of errors.

If you use these special data types in C well, your C programs can be neater and work better.

Abstract Data Types in C

ADTs in C help organize data and actions on it by keeping them separate. This makes code easier to reuse and maintain. Examples like stacks and queues have specific actions such as push and pop, which can be used without worrying about how they work behind the scenes. An example of the ADT:

Example of Data Types in C

Stacks: A stack is like a pile of things. Where you add new items on top and remove the last added item first. You can put stuff on the stack with “push” and take it off with “pop”.
Queues: A queue is like a line where the first person to join is the first to leave. You can add someone to the end of the line with “enqueue”. As well as remove the first person in line with “dequeue”.
Linked Lists: Linked lists are like a chain of connected blocks where each block points to the next one. Also, they are good for adding, removing, and moving through items quickly.
Trees: Trees are like family trees, with different nodes (or family members) connected. As well as they are handy for organizing stuff like folders on a computer or the structure of documents.

If you wrap up your data and actions in special types. In short, Your C programs can be more organized, reusable, and easier to manage.

Conclusion

Understanding data types in C is important for writing good programs. From simple ones like numbers to more complex ones like arrays, each type helps your code work better. As well as you learn more, you’ll figure out which types work best for different situations. So, keep practicing and trying out different types to become a better C programmer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a derived type?

Ans. A derived data type is a new type made by changing an existing one. It gets traits from its original type and can have extra features or changes. Also, it helps make software more special and customized.

Q. What are the derived data types in C?

Ans. In C programming, arrays, structures, and unions are types that come from other types. Arrays store many items of the same kind together. In short, Structures let you group different types of data under one name. Also, Unions save memory by letting different types share the same space.

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