Float versus Double

colinNeedsJavaHelp

I was just wondering if someone could explain the difference of these

Feb 19 '07 #1

r035198x

For starters, double is bigger than float.
Double is also the default type for primitives with a decimal point. You can read about each of them in the tutorials and finish up the list of their differences on your own.

Feb 19 '07 #2

horace1

this is a good tutorial on the java primitive data types
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/java/nutsandbolts/datatypes.html

also
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_754#Single-precision_32_bit

in practice you analyse the data you are using in the application and select the most appropriate data types. for example if the data inputted is accurate to 3 or 4 siginficant figures use a float (typical precision 6 or 7 significant figures) - no need for the greater precision of double and calculations in double take longer than float

Feb 19 '07 #3

dmjpro

thanx ....

good links

Feb 20 '07 #4