Control flow

Variables

Operators


At its most basic level, all data is a series of zeroes and ones. The way you interpret and use
that data is determined by its data type.

As you get started on your journey, you'll quickly realize that data types are an essential concept to
understand. But don't worry, they're not as intimidating as they may seem at first.

Simply put, data types are a way to classify different types of data that a program can use. They help
the computer understand what kind of data it's working with and how to handle it. Different data types
have different properties and capabilities, so it's essential that your program knows which type of data
it's dealing with in order to function the way it should.

## Common data types

Now, let's talk about some of the common data types you'll encounter as you start learning to program.

### Numbers

First, there's the "**integer**" data type, which is used for whole numbers (like `3` or `-5`). Then, there's
the "**floating-point**" data type, which is used for numbers with a decimal point (like `3.14` or `-0.01`).
Both of these data types are used for numbers, but they have different properties and capabilities.

Example in python:

```python
# Declare an integer variable
age = 30

# Declare a float variable
pi = 3.14
```

### Text

Next, there's the "**string**" data type, which is used for text data. This data type is often surrounded by
quotation marks (like `"hello"` or `"goodbye"`) and can include letters, numbers, and special characters.
Strings are often used for things like user input or displaying text on a screen. All the text you're reading
now consists of strings.

Example in python:

```python
# Declare a string variable
name = "John"
```

### Boolean

Finally, there's the "**boolean**" data type, which represents `true` or `false` values. This data type is
often used in conditional statements to control the flow of a program (e.g. if this is true, do this;
if this is false, do something else).

Example in python:

```python
# Declare a boolean variable
is_raining = True
```

## Summary

It's important to specify the data type of a piece of data in your program to ensure it is being used
and interpreted correctly. Data types can also be converted and changed as needed using built-in functions.

Data types are a vital aspect of programming. They allow you to classify and categorize different types of
data, making your programs more organized and efficient. By specifying the data type of a piece of data in
your program, you can ensure that it is being used and interpreted correctly.


Programmers' Garden

Data types

More concepts you should know about

Control flow

Variables

Operators