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What does "integer" mean in programming?
integer is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
A whole-number type with no decimal part. In most languages 'int' is 32 bits and holds values from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647. Use 'long' when you need a larger range.
Example
"int retryCount = 3; // whole number, no decimal part"
Word forms
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| integer | noun | A whole-number data type | "Declare an integer to count the number of retries." |
| int | noun (abbreviation) | Common short form of integer in code | "int count = 0;" |
Related terms
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