1.1: Data Types

In this module we will study various types in C#.

Definition

Types will be attached to any part of your application that has do with your data and values. Every variable, constant, and expression that gives back a value has a type. Every method has a type for the input value. The .NET Framework class library comes with built in numeric types as well as more complicated types that represent information such as file system, network connections, collections and arrays of objects, and dates.

Basic Types Within C#

Type	Name	Example	Description
Integer	int	20, -1500	A whole number with a size of 32 bits and range from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647
Float	float	1.5f	32 bit, up to 7 digits
Double	double	1.500000d	64 bit, up to 15-16 digits
Decimal	decimal	8.333333333333333333m	128 bit, up to 28-29 digits, more precise than double or float, but also more costly. Mainly used for financial situations
Boolean	bool	true, false	A true or false statement
String	string	"Hello World"	A collection of characters with a size of up to 2 gigs
Character	char	A	A single character with a size of 16 bits

These are some of the basic types C# uses and examples of when to use the different types. Here is more detail on types in C#.

Practice Question

• Consider the values below. What is the best type to associate with each one of these items?

  • D

  • 23

  • $3.3333333

  • 15.25

  • -3500

  • Hi!

• Answers:

  • char

  • int

  • decimal

  • float

  • int

  • string

Next: Data Types Table