In programming, the three fundamental data types are:
-
Primitive Data Types: These are the basic types built into a programming language. Common examples include:
- Integer: Represents whole numbers (e.g., -1, 0, 42).
- Float (or Double): Represents decimal numbers (e.g., -3.14, 0.0, 2.71828).
- Boolean: Represents two values, typically
true
orfalse
. - Character: Represents single characters (e.g., 'a', 'Z', '9').
-
Composite Data Types: These are data types that are formed by combining primitive data types. Examples include:
- Array: A collection of elements (of the same type) stored in contiguous memory locations.
- Struct: A composite data type that groups variables of different types under a single name (in languages like C/C++).
- Object: In object-oriented programming, an object is an instance of a class, which is a blueprint for creating objects that encapsulate data and behavior.
-
Abstract Data Types (ADTs): These are data types defined by their behavior rather than their implementation. Examples include:
- List: An ordered collection of elements that can grow or shrink in size.
- Stack: A collection that follows the Last In First Out (LIFO) principle.
- Queue: A collection that follows the First In First Out (FIFO) principle.
- Set: A collection of unique elements with no particular order.
These data types serve as the building blocks for data manipulation and structuring in programming.