Understanding Data Types
Okay, you know what a variable does and how to name it. But what can you store in a variable? The simple answer is: almost anything. A variable can hold a numeric value; a string of text; or a reference to an object, such as a form, control, or database. This chapter looks specifically at using variables to store numbers, strings, and dates. Table 6.2 lists Visual Basic’s data types:
| Visual Basic .NET Data Type | Values Stored | Example | Memory Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boolean | True/False | True | 2 bytes |
| Byte | 0–255 | 122 | 1 byte |
| Char | Single Character | A | 2 bytes |
| Date | Dates and Times | 12/21/1970 02:00 PM | 8 bytes |
| Decimal | Decimal or Whole | 19.95D | 16 bytes |
| Double | Decimal Numbers | 1.23E-10 | 8 bytes |
| Integer | Whole Numbers ... |
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