DataTerminology.comNEW
Also known as: Int
A whole number without fractional part, including negatives, zero, and positives.
DESCRIPTION
Integers form the set ℤ of whole numbers and are closed under addition, subtraction, and multiplication. In computing, fixed-width signed integers use two’s complement and can overflow. Many languages also provide arbitrary-precision integers to avoid overflow at performance cost. Databases define integer types with specific ranges (e.g., 32-bit, 64-bit). Choice between integer and floating-point affects precision, performance, and storage.
ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS
Wikipedia
An integer is a number that can be written without a fractional component.
Emphasizes absence of fractional component.
Wolfram MathWorld
An integer is a member of the set of positive whole numbers, negative whole numbers, and zero.
Explicitly enumerates positive, negative, and zero membership.
RELATED TERMS
Whole Number Real Number Two’s Complement Overflow Arbitrary-Precision Integer Modulus Operator Numeric Type Casting
COMPETING TERMS
Floating-Point Number
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
Mathematics Programming Languages Data Storage & Operations
TARGET AUDIENCE
Software Developer Data Engineer Data Scientist Data Modeler
EXTERNAL SOURCES
- Wikipedia - Integer
- Python - Python int type reference
- PostgreSQL - Numeric and integer types in PostgreSQL
- Java Language Specification - Java integral types specification
TOP QUESTIONS
When should I use Integer instead of floating-point?
Use integers for counts, indexes, and exact arithmetic without fractions. They avoid rounding errors inherent to floating-point.
Category: Practice
What is integer overflow and why is it risky?
Overflow occurs when a value exceeds representable range, wrapping or saturating. It can cause logic errors and security vulnerabilities.
Category: Risks
How do languages handle large Integers?
Some use arbitrary-precision (e.g., Python int), while others require special libraries or BigInt types.
Category: Basics
What is two’s complement in Integers?
A representation for signed integers enabling simple arithmetic and bitwise operations with a single representation for zero.
Category: Concept
How do databases store Integer types?
They define fixed-width types (e.g., INT, BIGINT) with specific ranges and storage sizes.
Category: Basics
How does casting affect Integer precision?
Casting from float to int truncates fractional parts; casting between widths may overflow or sign-change if not handled.
Category: Mistakes
What are common Integer operations?
Arithmetic, modulo, bitwise operations, and comparisons are standard. Care with division semantics is needed across languages.
Category: Basics
How to avoid Integer overflow?
Use larger types, arbitrary-precision integers, or explicit checks. Static analysis and fuzz testing help detect issues.
Category: Practice
Are Natural Numbers a subset of Integers?
Yes. Natural numbers (definitions vary on including zero) are a subset of the integers.
Category: Concept