Primitive data type

In computer science, primitive data types are a set of basic data types from which all other data types are constructed.[1] Specifically it often refers to the limited set of data representations in use by a particular processor, which all compiled programs must use. Most processors support a similar set of primitive data types, although the specific representations vary.[2] More generally, primitive data types may refer to the standard data types built into a programming language (built-in types).[3][4] Data types which are not primitive are referred to as derived or composite.[3]

Primitive types are almost always value types, but composite types may also be value types.[5]

  1. ^ Stone, R. G.; Cooke, D. J. (5 February 1987). Program Construction. Cambridge University Press. p. 18. ISBN 978-0-521-31883-9.
  2. ^ Wikander, Jan; Svensson, Bertil (31 May 1998). Real-Time Systems in Mechatronic Applications. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 101. ISBN 978-0-7923-8159-4.
  3. ^ a b Khurana, Rohit. Data and File Structure (For GTU), 2nd Edition. Vikas Publishing House. p. 2. ISBN 978-93-259-6005-3.
  4. ^ Chun, Wesley (2001). Core Python Programming. Prentice Hall Professional. p. 77. ISBN 978-0-13-026036-9.
  5. ^ Olsen, Geir; Allison, Damon; Speer, James (1 January 2008). Visual Basic .NET Class Design Handbook: Coding Effective Classes. Apress. p. 80. ISBN 978-1-4302-0780-1.