C++ Types of Variables
In C++, there are several types of variables, each of which can store a different kind of data. The main types of variables are:
Primitive data types: These are the basic building blocks of C++ and include integer, floating-point, character, boolean, and void data types.
Array variables: An array is a collection of elements of the same data type that are stored in contiguous memory locations.
Pointer variables: A pointer is a variable that stores the memory address of another variable.
Reference variables: A reference is an alias for another variable. It provides an alternative name for an existing variable and allows you to access and modify the original variable using the reference.
User-defined data types: These are data types that you define yourself using classes, structures, and unions.
Here is a brief overview of each type of variable:
- Primitive data types:
- int: used to store whole numbers
- float and double: used to store decimal numbers with varying levels of precision
- char: used to store single characters
- bool: used to store true or false values
- void: used to represent the absence of a type, typically used for functions that do not return a value.
- Array variables:
- Arrays are used to store a collection of elements of the same data type, with each element identified by an index.
- Pointer variables:
- Pointers are used to store the memory address of another variable. They are useful for dynamic memory allocation and passing data between functions.
- Reference variables:
- References provide an alternative name for an existing variable. They are useful for passing data between functions and for providing a shorthand way to access complex data structures.
- User-defined data types:
- Classes: used to define complex data types that include both data and functions
- Structures: used to group related data elements together
- Unions: used to store different data types in the same memory location.