Variables and primitive data types

What is a key difference between Python and Java regarding basic data types?

In Python, basic data types are objects, where in Java data types are primitive types rather than objects.

Why does Java use primitive data types?

Operations on primitive data types are fast.

What are Java's basic data types called?

Primitive types.

What must happen before a Java variable is used?

It must be declared.

What does a variable declaration tell the compiler?

What type of data will be stored in the variable.

What is the general form of a variable declaration?

type varaiableName;

How are multiple variables of the same type separated in a declaration?

By commas.

What symbol terminates a variable declaration?

A semi colon.

Where are variables typically declared?

Just before they are used or at the beginning of a block.

Can a value of any type be assigned to a variable of any other type?

No, generally a value must be compatible with the variables type.

What is the Java primitive numeric compatibility order?

byte → short → int → long → float → double

What happens to the range of allowed values as you move from left to right in the compatibility list?

It becomes larger.

What is required when assigning a value to a type appearing to the left of its current type in the compatibility list?

An explicit type cast.

What happens when at least one operand in a division is floating-point?

The result is a floating point.

What happens when both operands of a division are integers?

The result is an integer.

How can you ensure that the fractional portion of a division is preserved?

Make at least one operand a floating point value.

What is a type cast?

It takes a value of one type and produces a value of another type with an equivalent value.

What is the syntax for explicitly casting a value?

(desiredType)value

Where does the desired type appear in a type cast?

Inside parentheses immediately before the value or variable being cast.

What happens when a floating-point value is explicitly cast to an integer?

Its fractional portion is truncated.

What is type coercion?

An automatic type conversion performed by Java.

What happens with a prefix operator when it is part of an expression?

The variable is changed first, and the changed value is then used.

What happens with a postfix operator when it is part of an expression?

The original value is used first and then the variable is changed.