Integer
In computing, an integer is a data type that represents whole numbers, including positive numbers, negative numbers, and zero, without any fractional or decimal components. Integers are used for a variety of tasks, such as counting items, indexing arrays, and performing mathematical calculations.
Key characteristics
Whole numbers: Integers represent numbers like \(5\), \(-25\), and \(0\), but not numbers with decimals like \(1.5\) or fractions like \(1/2\).
Data type: They are a fundamental data type in most programming languages and are often represented by int.
Range: The range of numbers an integer can represent is finite, as computers have limited capacity. This is defined by the integer's size (e.g., 16-bit, 32-bit, 64-bit).
Common uses: They are frequently used for counters in loops, the position of an item in a list (index), or to store identifiers like user IDs.