Technology Fundamentals
String
Definition
A string is a data type used to represent a sequence of characters. These characters can include letters, numbers, symbols, and spaces.
Why It Matters
Strings are fundamental for storing and manipulating all text-based data, such as names, addresses, messages, and the content of documents.
Contextual Example
In a user registration form, the user's name, email address, and password are all captured and stored as strings.
Common Misunderstandings
- A string containing numbers (e.g., "123") is not the same as the integer 123. They are treated differently and cannot be used in mathematical calculations directly.
- Strings are often immutable, meaning that once a string is created, it cannot be changed. Operations that seem to modify a string actually create a new one.