Character data type in c++
In this ever-evolving world of programming language we know that C++ is one of those ancient languages that have been around for a long period of time. C++ language is basically known for its efficiency, management and all the support libraries that it carries with herself. It is used to make a lot of things such as computer systems, machines and various other materials. Even so, at the heart of the C++ language we have data types which helps us in storing all kind of data and define their attributes as well.
In this vast journey of C++ data types, we should actually focus on one specific data type which is called the character data type also known as the char. It basically deals with individual bits or characters of the data. In this tutorial we will basically learn its importance, how they are used and many other such things.
Representation
In C++, characters basically use a unique system called the ASCII system which stands for American standard code for information interchange. In this basically what we do is we allot a specific number to each one of the character present in our language and whenever a user types or feeds that specific character, computer generates its ASCII character and then it gets generated. It makes working in a computer setting easier.
Storage
In C++ language, a char data type usually needs one byte of memory space to store the character. This matches with the ASCII system which generally uses 7 bits to showcase the characters and leaves the space of one bit for error checking or for adding or removing any other character and so this makes char data type very memory efficient and it helps to efficiently optimize space as well.
Example:
// C++ Program demonstrate
// Use of char
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
char x = 'w';
cout << x;
return 0;
}
Output:
![Character data type in c++](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/cpp/character-data-type-in-cpp1.png)
Example 2:
// C++ Program to convert
// Char to ASCII value
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
char x = 'w';
cout << "The ASCII number of 'w' : ";
cout << int(x) << endl;
x = 'B';
cout << "The ASCII number of 'B' : ";
cout << int(x) << endl;
return 0;
}
Output:
![Character data type in c++](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/cpp/character-data-type-in-cpp2.png)
Applications
In this section of the tutorial, we are going to discuss some of the applications of the char data type in the C++ language.
- Text and strings
The char data type is very important as it lets the programmers resurface the importance and individually handle all the characters in a particular word and sentence, whereas in the strings, they are basically used for changing the data.
- Input output
When we want to show a particular word on the screen and work on that at a specific point of time, then character data type is really important. It helps us in managing the input and coordinating.
- Encoding & decoding
The ASCII system helps us in encoding and decoding of the data which is very helpful when it comes to changing the data when we are sending them or dealing with them in character-based way.
- Conditional statements
Characters are generally more used in the if-else or switch statements basically it helps us to decide what to do when it receives a character, suppose a program might behave in a certain different way depending upon the answers of the user be it yes or no.
- File handling
When are we are building a home, we need bricks to form the base, similarly when we are working with files, we need characters to read from and to write in the file without them it would be impossible.
Conclusion
To sum it up, all the things and answers provided in the above article proves that character data type can prove to be a very essential tool in any developer’s toolkit. It has a lot of benefits to begin with its simple, uses ASCII system for encoding and uses the memory very effectively and efficiently. Whether we are dealing with text, strings or any given user input, if we have a good grip over the character data type, it will help us in effectively carrying out the C++ programs.