Different Data types

[saiavinashiitr]

i was actually getting a doubt that when to use long and when to use long long and what is the difference between them? and sometimes we also use long int ....couls u please clarify which data type are to be used when and where and at what situations?

[donbock]

There are differing opinions, but I suggest that the simplest rule to follow for integral types in general-purpose software is:

1. Use int if the value fits in 16 bits;
2. If that's too small, use long if the value fits in 32 bits;
3. If that's too small, use long long if the value fits in 64 bits;
4. If that's too small ... Then you're out of luck.

There are many more integral types to choose from, but you can get by without them unless you have a specialized application. Writing software for an embedded system is one example of a specialized application that might demand more integral types.

[donbock]

By the way, never use char for integer numbers -- only use it for characters. If you want a small type for numbers then use signed char or unsigned char.