Java MCQ: Which of the following is a primitive data type in Java?
Answer:
Explanation:
In Java, int
is one of the eight primitive data types, which are the most basic data types available in the language. Primitive types in Java are predefined by the language and named by a keyword. They serve as the building blocks for data manipulation in Java. The eight primitive data types include byte
, short
, int
, long
, float
, double
, char
, and boolean
. These types differ from objects like String
and Array
, which are reference types that store memory addresses rather than actual data values.
The int
data type is specifically designed for storing 32-bit signed integers, which can represent values from -231 to 231-1. It is often used in situations where you need to store whole numbers without decimals. For example, if you need to keep track of a counter or index, an int
is usually the best choice due to its balance between range and memory efficiency. Here’s a simple example:
int counter = 10;
System.out.println(counter); // Outputs: 10
Unlike objects such as String
and Array
, primitive types do not require instantiation using the new
keyword, which makes them faster and more efficient. They are directly stored in the memory location assigned to the variable, unlike objects that store references to the memory location where the actual data is stored.
Choosing the correct primitive type is crucial for optimizing memory usage and ensuring that your program runs efficiently. For instance, using an int
when you only need a byte
could lead to unnecessary memory consumption. Thus, understanding the differences between primitive types and when to use each is key to writing effective Java programs.
Reference links:
https://www.javaguides.net/p/java-tutorial-learn-java-programming.html