Python 3a - Data Types
Data Types in Python
If you are a Computer Science student you need to know about the different data types that are used in programming.
-
String – A sequence of alphanumeric characters (e.g. “Hello!” or “Toy Story 4” or “Boeing 747”)
-
Integer – A whole number (e.g. -120 or 0 or 340)
-
Float (also called Real) – A decimal number (e.g. -32.12 or 3.14)
-
Boolean – A logical operation (True or False)
-
Character – A single alphanumeric character (e.g. “a” or “6” or “?”) [Not used in Python as it would just be a string with a length of 1]
Converting to Another Data Type
You can convert a variable from one type to another by overwriting the variable with a different data type.
=
On line 1 the variable value of miles is 45.4 (a float - decimal number).
On line 2 the variable data type has been turned into an integer using the int( ) command.
Because an integer is a whole number, when miles is printed on line 3 it displays 45 with no decimal places.
Other Conversions
str( ) converts a variable to a string.
float( ) converts a variable to a float (decimal number).
Practice Task
1. Ask the user to input a whole number (integer).
2. Convert the number into a float.
3. Print the number.
Example solution:
Embedded Python Editor
Powered by trinket.io
