Data Types CS Thinking Example 2

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 2

medium
A program reads user input as a string '25'. What happens if you try to calculate '25' + 10 without type conversion? What should you do instead?

Solution

  1. 1
    Step 1: '25' is a string and 10 is an integer. In some languages, '25' + 10 would concatenate to '2510' (string); in others it would cause a type error.
  2. 2
    Step 2: To perform arithmetic, convert the string to an integer: INT('25') gives 25.
  3. 3
    Step 3: Now 25 + 10 = 35. This process is called type casting or type conversion.

Answer

Without conversion, you get '2510' or an error. Use INT('25') + 10 = 35.
User input is typically received as a string. Type casting converts between data types and is essential when performing arithmetic on input values.

About Data Types

Categories that classify data values and determine which operations can validly be performed on them. Common data types include integers, floating-point numbers, strings, booleans, and arrays, each with its own set of permitted operations.

Learn more about Data Types →

More Data Types Examples

Example 1 easy

Classify each value into its data type: (a) 42, (b) 'Hello', (c) 3.14, (d) TRUE.

Example 3 medium

For each scenario, choose the most appropriate data type: (a) a student's name, (b) number of studen

Example 4 hard

A program stores prices as integers in pence (e.g., 499 for £4.99) rather than as floats. Explain tw

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