Variables and data types

Variables are fundamental elements in any programming language. They are used to store values ​​that will be used in calculations, comparisons and other operations. In programming languages, variables are defined by the programmer and can receive different types of data.

The most common data types in programming languages ​​are:

• Integer: used to store whole numbers, such as 1, 2, 3, -4, -5, etc. In some programming languages, it is possible to define the size of the integer, such as 8 bits, 16 bits, 32 bits, etc.
• Floating point: used to store numbers with decimal places, such as 3.14, 2.5, -0.75, etc. In some programming languages, it is possible to set the floating point size, such as 32 bits, 64 bits, etc.
• Boolean: used to store true or false values. Usually represented by true (true) or false (false).
• Character: used to store a single character, such as 'a', 'b', 'c', '1', '2', '3', etc. In some programming languages, it is possible to set the character size, such as 8 bits, 16 bits, etc.
• String: used to store a sequence of characters, such as "Hello world!", "Basic computer course", etc.

To declare a variable in a programming language, it is necessary to define the name of the variable and the type of data it will store. For example, in C language, to declare an integer variable called "age", it is necessary to write:

int age;

In Python language, to declare a string variable called "name", it is necessary to write:

name = "John";

Once declared, the variable can receive a value. For example, to assign the value 25 to the variable "age" in C language, it is necessary to write:

Continue in our app.

• Listen to the audio with the screen off.
• Earn a certificate upon completion.
• Over 5000 courses for you to explore!

Or continue reading below...

Download the app

age = 25;

In Python language, to assign the value "Maria" to the variable "name", it is necessary to write:

name = "Mary";

Variables can be used in calculations and other operations. For example, in C language, to add two integers and store the result in a variable called "sum", it is necessary to write:

int a = 10;
int b = 20;
int sum = a + b;

In Python language, to add two integers and store the result in a variable called "sum", it is necessary to write:

a = 10
b = 20
sum = a + b

Variables can also be used in control structures such as conditionals and loops. For example, in C language, to check if the variable "age" is greater than or equal to 18 years, it is necessary to write:

if (age >= 18) {
  printf("You are of legal age.");
} else {
  printf("You are a minor.");
}

In Python language, to check if the variable "age" is greater than or equal to 18 years, it is necessary to write:

if age >= 18:
  print("You are of legal age.")
else:
  print("You are a minor.")

In summary, variables are fundamental elements in any programming language. They are used to store values ​​that will be used in calculations, comparisons and other operations. It is important to define the data type of the variable according to the value it will store. Variables can be used in control structures such as conditionals and loops to perform more complex operations.