Data Type

Grouping of data on the basis of behaviour of data is called forming a Data Type. Data Type is formed when we attempt to group data items. 

Certain Data items are closely related. These Data items are manipulated by performing same operations. We study the operations. We take a look at the Data set on which the studied operations have been performed. 

Thus formation of a Data Type isvmarked by twin activities:

1 ) Clear  identification of Data items

2 ) Study of operations that manipulate     the Data items 

Performance of operations on Data gives results. Actually operators are there to perform operations. Operators act on Data.

Students of Mathematics have observed the behaviour of Integers. We know that we can perform arithmetic operations on Integers. To perform arithmetic operations we have arithmetic operators. Examples of arithmetic operators are: '+', '-', '×', and '÷'. 

We can take any two Integers and see that arithmetic operators can be easily applied. So, we see that Integers are participants in a arithmetic operation. They play a role in the formation of result. Thus behavior of Integers affects the result that is obtained. 

This similarity of behaviour of any two integers  compared with  two other  different integers has helped the formation of Data Type - 'Integer'. Behaviour of integers is observed by the application of arithmetic operators.

The concept of Data Type serves to organize the data items. Organized data items are of great importance. Such efforts to organize has helped the Computing Community to devise novel methods for data usage. 

Providing a  long list of  data items can be time consuming and difficult. We can specify Data Type instead of opting for something that's difficult and time consuming.

Data Processing is no longer performed manually. Now Computers are Data Processors. Data Type concept  is of great help. 

We can take some samples of data items. Processing of these data items helps to understand the nature of data items. Data Type availability aids our efforts to specify a sample of data items.

Specification of data items using a Data Type is shown below:

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Integer x, y;

x = 4;

y = 5;

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Here 'x' and 'y' are declared to be of type Integer. According to the 'Integer' Data Type 'x' and 'y' are assigned integer values. 'x' is assigned '4'. 'y' is assigned '5'. 'x' and 'y' are actually identifiers. These identifiers are related to Data Type 'Integer'. Here identifiers that identify integers are assigned Integer values. This works.

Data Type theory is used to facilitate Computing devices to perform Data Processing.