Storing data is a must for any program to be functional. Different pieces of data can be divided into various types and in programming, an integer and string are two major types of data. They can look similar or might be used for similar tasks, but truly, these two types of data hold different uses.
Introduction to Integer and String
An integer is a number representing a certain real value; a real number with no fractional or decimal components. A string is a finite set of characters or words put together, represented as a single element.
An integer is any positive or negative whole number with no decimal points such as -1, 0, 1, 10, 28, 1965. A string meanwhile, is a group of characters, symbols or words such as “coding”, “cool” or “25dogs”. Being two separate types of data, an integer and a string are used for different purposes and within programming.
Uses of Integer and String in Programming
In programming, integers are used for numerical values and strings on the other hand are used for word, characters, expression or text.
For example, you might use a string to ask a question such as “what is the sum of 5 and 7?” and in return, the application would use integers to give the answer of 12.
Integers are often used when the system needs to do some basic math like finding the sum of two numbers, doing a subtraction or a multiplication. Integers also use in comparison operators such as ‘if’, ‘else’, ‘else if’, and ‘switch’ where we can compare and/or execute certain tasks if a certain criteria is true.
Strings on the other hand can be used to store and display words, letters or sentences, either as an input or output. They are used for a variety of things such as indicating what type of process the user is working on, or displaying the result.
Difference between Integer and String
An integer is a number representing a certain real value, a real number with no fractional or decimal components. A string is a finite set of characters or words put together, represented as a single element.
An integer is represented by a number, while a string is represented by a group of characters.
Integers are used for numerical values and strings are used for word, characters, expression or text.
In programming, integer can be used when the system needs to do some basic math like finding the sum of two numbers, doing a subtraction or a multiplication. Strings can be used to store and display words, letters or sentences.
Integer uses comparison operators such as ‘if’, ‘else’, ‘else if’, and ‘switch’ where it can compare and/or execute certain tasks if a certain criteria is true. Strings can be used to indicate what type of process the user is working on, or displaying the result.
Sources:
- What Is An Integer? Definition and Examples
- Understanding Strings in JavaScript
- Variable Types and Naming Guidelines in JavaScript
- JavaScript Data Types: Strings Explained
- Python String: Exercise-5 with Solution
FAQ
What is an Integer?
An integer is any positive or negative whole number with no decimal points such as -1, 0, 1, 10, 28, 1965.
What is a string?
A string is a finite set of characters or words put together, represented as a single element.
What is the purpose of using an integer in programming?
In programming, integers are used for numerical values. They are used when the system needs to do some basic math like finding the sum of two numbers, doing a subtraction or a multiplication. Integers also use in comparison operators such as ‘if’, ‘else’, ‘else if’, and ‘switch’ where we can compare and/or execute certain tasks if a certain criteria is true.
What is the purpose of using a string in programming?
In programming, strings are used for word, characters, expression or text. They can be used to store and display words, letters or sentences, either as an input or output. They are used for a variety of things such as indicating what type of process the user is working on, or displaying the result.
What is the difference between an integer and a string in programming?
The main difference between an integer and a string in programming is that integer is a number representing a certain real value and strings are a finite set of characters or words put together, represented as a single element. Integers are used for numerical values and strings are used for word, characters, expression or text.