What is an integer?

An integer refers to a data type that represents whole numbers. It is a fundamental numeric data type used to store and manipulate numerical values without decimal places.

Integers can be either signed or unsigned. A signed integer can represent both positive and negative numbers, whereas an unsigned integer represents only non-negative numbers (zero and positive values).

The size of an integer can vary depending on the programming language and platform. Common integer sizes include 8 bits (1 byte), 16 bits (2 bytes), 32 bits (4 bytes), and 64 bits (8 bytes). The size determines the range of values that can be stored in an integer. For example, a signed 32-bit integer can typically store values from approximately -2 billion to +2 billion.

Integers support various operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These operations can be performed on integers directly using arithmetic operators provided by the programming language. Additionally, integers can participate in comparison operations (e.g., greater than, less than, equal to) and logical operations (e.g., AND, OR) based on the language's syntax and rules.

Integers are used in a wide range of applications. They are commonly employed for tasks such as counting elements in data structures (e.g., arrays, lists), iterating over loops, indexing arrays, representing IDs or unique identifiers, and performing mathematical computations. Understanding how to work with integers is crucial for manipulating numerical data effectively.

See also: Number conversions