Integers are whole numbers used in programming for objects that are not divisible into smaller units. They take up less memory space and have a limit on the size that can be stored. Binary representation is used to save memory, with 8-bit byte and 2-byte word being standard. The integer format allows one bit for a sign to designate positive or negative integers. In a 32-bit compiler language, signed integer values between –231 and 231-1 are allowed, while in a 64-bit compiler, signed integer values between -263 and 263-1 are allowed.
An integer format is a type of data in computer programming. Data is typed based on the type of information being stored, how accurately numerical data is being stored, and how that information should be manipulated during processing. Whole numbers represent whole units. Integers take up less memory space, but this space-saving feature limits the size of integer that can be stored.
Integers are whole numbers used in arithmetic, algebra, accounting, and enumeration applications. An integer implies that there are no smaller partial units. The number 2 as an integer has a different meaning than the number 2.0. The second format means that there are two whole units and zero tenths of units but that tenths of units are possible. The first number, as an integer, implies that smaller units are not considered.
There are two reasons for an integer format in programming languages. First, an integer format is appropriate when considering objects that are not divisible into smaller units. A manager writing a computer program to calculate the split of a $100 bonus among three employees would not assign an integer format to the bonus variable but would use one to store the number of employees. Programmers have recognized that integers are integers and don’t require as many digits to represent accurately.
In the early days of computing, memory space was limited and precious, and an integer format was developed to save memory. Since computer memory is a binary system, numbers have been represented in base 2, which means that acceptable digits are 0 and 1. The number 10 in base 2 represents the number 2 in base 10, since the 1 in column of two is the digit multiplied by 2 raised to the second power. 100 in base 2 equals 8 in base 10, since the 1 in the first column is 1 multiplied by 2 cubed.
Using an on/off basis for representing binary numbers, electrically based computers have been developed. A bit is a single on/off, true/false, or 0/1 data representation. While various hardware configurations using variations in the number of bits directly addressable by the computer have been explored, the 8-bit byte and 2-byte word have become standards for general purpose computing. So specifying the width of the integer format does not determine the number of decimal places but the largest and smallest value an integer can take.
The integer formats of most languages allow one bit for a sign to be used to designate a positive or negative integer. In a 32-bit compiler language, C/C+ languages use the integer format, int, to store signed integer values between –231 and 231-1. An integer value is subtracted to accommodate zero, or approximately +/- 2.1 trillion. In a 64-bit compiler, using the int64 data type, signed integer values between -263 and 263-1 or +/- 9.2 quintillion are allowed.
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