Data Types in C
With Diagrams, Examples &
Explanation
Introduction to Data Types
• Data types define the type of data a variable
can store.
• They determine:
• • Size of data in memory
• • Range of values
• • Operations allowed
Classification of Data Types in C
• 1. Primitive (Basic) Data Types
• 2. Derived Data Types
• 3. Enumeration Data Types
• 4. User-defined Data Types
Primitive (Basic) Data Types
• int → stores integers (e.g., 5, -10)
• float → stores decimal numbers (e.g., 3.14)
• char → stores a single character (e.g., 'A')
• double → stores large decimal numbers
• void → represents no value
• Example: int age = 20; float pi = 3.14; char
grade = 'A';
Size & Range of Basic Data Types
• int → 2 or 4 bytes, range: -32,768 to 32,767
(16-bit)
• float → 4 bytes, range: ~3.4E-38 to 3.4E+38
• double → 8 bytes, range: ~1.7E-308 to
1.7E+308
• char → 1 byte, range: -128 to 127
Derived Data Types
• Array → collection of same type elements
• Pointer → stores memory address
• Structure → groups variables of different
types
• Union → memory sharing between variables
• Example: int arr[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}; int *ptr =
arr;
Enumeration Data Type
• User-defined set of named integer constants.
• Example: enum week {Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu,
Fri, Sat, Sun};
• enum week today = Wed;
User-Defined Data Types
• Created using typedef or struct.
• Provides flexibility for complex programs.
• Example: typedef unsigned int uint; uint age =
25;
Diagram Summary
• Primitive → int, float, char, double, void
• Derived → array, pointer, structure, union
• Enumeration → enum
• User-defined → typedef, struct
Conclusion
• Data types are essential for memory allocation
& program efficiency.
• Choosing the right data type improves
performance & reduces errors.
