Understanding the Difference between int, Int16, Int32, and Int64 in C#

C# provides several data types to store numerical values and it’s important to choose the right one. In this blog post, we will delve into the difference between int, Int16, Int32, and Int64 in C#. You will learn about the size, minimum, and maximum values for each data type and when it is appropriate to use them.

By the end of this post, you will have a good understanding of these integral data types and be able to choose the right one for your projects.

What is int in C#?

• The int data type is a 32-bit signed integer
• It is the default data type for integral values in C#
• Int can store values ranging from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647
• The keyword ‘int’ is an alias for the System.Int32 data type

Example of int in C#

int x = 20;
int y = -5;

What is Int16 in C#?

• The Int16 data type is a 16-bit signed integer
• Int16 can store values ranging from -32,768 to 32,767
• The keyword ‘Int16’ is an alias for the System.Int16 data type

Example of Int16 in C#

 Int16 a = 15;
Int16 b = -10;

What is Int32 in C#?

int is an alias of Int32, So, int and Int32 are the same data type.

• The Int32 data type is a 32-bit signed integer
• Int32 can store values ranging from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647
• The keyword ‘Int32’ is an alias for the System.Int32 data type

Example of Int32 in C#

public static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        Int32 a = 20;
        Int32 b = -100;

        Console.Write($"a: {a}, b: {b}");
        // Output: a: 20, b: -100
        Console.ReadLine();
    }

What is Int64 in C#?

• The Int64 data type is a 64-bit signed integer
• Int64 can store values ranging from -9,223,372,036,854,775,808 to 9,223,372,036,854,775,807
• The keyword ‘Int64’ is an alias for the System.Int64 data type

Example of Int64 in C#

using System;
public class Program
{
    public static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        Int64 a = 10;
        Int64 b = -200;

        Console.WriteLine($"a : {a}, b : {b}");
        Console.Write($"Int64.MaxValue : {Int64.MaxValue}, Int64.MinValue : {Int64.MinValue}");
        // Output:
        // a : 10, b : -200
        // Int64.MaxValue : 9223372036854775807, Int64.MinValue : -9223372036854775808
        Console.ReadLine();
    }
}

Minimum and Maximum Values for int, Int16, Int32, and Int64 in C#

Properties and Methods of Int16, Int32, and Int64 in C#

Int16, Int32, and Int64 in C# are integral data types that are used to store numerical values. They are derived from the System.Int16, System.Int32, and System.Int64 classes respectively, and they inherit some common properties and methods from these classes.
Here are a few commonly used properties and methods of these data types:

Properties:

• MaxValue: This property returns the maximum value that can be stored in the respective data type.
• MinValue: This property returns the minimum value that can be stored in the respective data type.

Methods:

• Parse(string): This method converts a string representation of a number to its equivalent integral value.
• ToString(): This method converts and returns a string representation of the numerical value stored in the respective data type.
• TryParse(string, out TResult): This method attempts to convert a string representation of a number to its equivalent integral value and returns a Boolean indicating whether the conversion was successful or not.

It’s important to note that these properties and methods are common for all integral data types in C# and not just for Int16, Int32, and Int64.

Conclusion

• Knowing the differences between int, Int16, Int32, and Int64 in C# helps us in making informed decisions when choosing the right data type for a given situation
• Choosing a data type that is too large might lead to wasted memory while choosing a data type that is too small might result in overflow errors
• Always consider the range of values to be stored and choose the appropriate data type accordingly.

FAQ

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• C# Abstract class Vs Interface
• C# Array Vs List
• Is vs As operator in C#
• Jump Statements in C# (Break, Continue, Goto, Return, and Throw)
• Singleton Design Pattern in C#
• Value Type and Reference Type in C#
• C# Stack Class With Push And Pop Examples
• C# Struct vs Class
• Difference between Boxing and Unboxing in C#
• C# dispose vs finalize
• ref and out keyword

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Shekh Ali

Meet Shekh Ali, a skilled Software engineer and passionate blogger with an MCA degree and 8+ years of experience in the field. He enjoys sharing his expertise in C#, Java, SQL, Design Patterns, and other related topics through his writing. When he's not coding, Shekh Ali can often indulge in his passions for reading books and fitness training.

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