Python Data Types

Welcome to the world of Python data types! In programming, a data type is a classification that specifies which type of value a variable can hold. Python is rich in built-in data types, which are the fundamental building blocks for structuring and manipulating data in your programs.

Understanding data types is crucial because it determines:

The possible values for that type.
The operations that can be performed on values of that type.
The way values of that type are stored in memory.

Python has a variety of standard data types for different purposes. Let’s explore them.

What are Data Types?

Get a foundational understanding of what data types represent in Python and why they are essential for any programmer.

Numeric Types (int, float, complex)

Explore Python’s numeric types, used for holding numerical values. Learn about integers, floating-point numbers, and complex numbers.

Sequence Types (list, tuple, str)

Dive into sequence types, which represent ordered collections of items. Discover the unique properties of lists, tuples, and strings.

Mapping Type (dict)

Learn about dictionaries, Python’s implementation of a hash table. They store data as key-value pairs, providing fast lookups.

Set Types (set, frozenset)

Understand sets, which are unordered collections of unique items. They are useful for membership testing and eliminating duplicate entries.

Boolean Type (bool)

Explore the boolean type, which represents one of two values: True or False. Booleans are fundamental for control flow and logic.

Numeric Types

int: Integers of unlimited precision
float: Floating-point numbers
complex: Complex numbers with real and imaginary parts

Sequence Types

str: Text strings (immutable)
list: Ordered, mutable collections
tuple: Ordered, immutable collections

Mapping Types

dict: Key-value pairs for fast lookups

Set Types

set: Unordered collections of unique elements
frozenset: Immutable version of sets

Boolean Type

bool: True or False values

Getting Started

Begin with Data Types & Variables to understand the fundamentals, then explore each category through the dedicated pages.

Python Comments Data Type and Variables