← Glossary
What does "long" mean in programming?
long 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 64-bit integer type that holds larger values than a standard int. In Java and C# it ranges from about -9.2 to 9.2 quintillion. Use it for IDs, timestamps, or any count that could exceed 2 billion.
Example
"long timestamp = 1_716_000_000_000L; // milliseconds since epoch"
Related terms
Ready to practice your English at work?
Lingua-e has interactive exercises built around real developer conversations: standups, code reviews, retrospectives, and more. Practice until it comes naturally.
Try Lingua-e for free