This article will cover the basics of what a data type is and the role of data types in computing. I decided to write this article while writing a guide to data types in Notion databases. However, data types are not limited to just Notion. You will also come across the concept of data types in most programming languages and database systems.
A data type specifies the type of data contained within that container, be it a variable in a programming language or a data field within a database.
Common data types
This list of common data types isn’t an exhaustive list of data types. Each application, programming language, or database system will likely have its own defined set of data types.
- Character, allows the storage of a single alphanumerical character.
- String, allows the storage of multiple alphanumerical characters
- Boolean, Can hold the value true or false.
- Integer, A whole number such as 1.
- Real number or floating point. A number containing a decimal point such as 1.25
- Date/time. Holds data on date and time.
Conclusion
For an example of data types in an actual application, you can read my guide to Notion data types.