Technology Fundamentals
Integer
Definition
An integer is a fundamental data type representing whole numbers, both positive and negative, including zero. It does not include fractions or decimal parts.
Why It Matters
Integers are used in nearly every computer program to count things, represent quantities, access array indices, and perform mathematical calculations.
Contextual Example
In a shopping cart application, the quantity of an item, like `3` apples, is stored as an integer. The total number of items in the cart is also an integer.
Common Misunderstandings
- Integers have a limited range depending on the number of bits used to store them (e.g., a 32-bit integer can store values from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647).
- Numbers with decimal points are not integers; they are floating-point numbers or decimals.