Variable Types

In C++, all variables must be declared before they are used. Also, the type of values that a variable can hold must be specified. Here we list the types of variables:

1.

int This means that the variable may hold only integer values (whole numbers). For most compilers this means the whole number values between -32,768 and 32,767. In C++ to declare a variable to be type of integer, precede its name with the keyword

.

2.

float For fractions one must use a floating point data type. One of these is called

. Data of this type will typically be in the range 3.4E-38 to 3.4E+38. Operations on floating point numbers preserve any functional part of the outcome and hence provide a more accurate conversion.

3.

long Values in the range -2,147,483,648 through 2,147,483,647

4.

double Values in the range 1.7E-308 through 1.7E308

5.

char Normally used to store letters of the alphabet.