Integer (computer science)

An integer is a type of number that a computer can use to do calculations. Think of it like the numbers you use in school, like 1, 2, 3, etc. But instead of just writing them on a piece of paper, a computer can use them to do things like add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

Integers are special because they are whole numbers – that means they don't have any fractions or decimals. This makes them really easy for computers to work with.

When you tell a computer to use an integer, it stores the number in a special place in its memory. This means that the computer can remember the number and use it whenever it needs to.

Now, there are different types of integers that a computer can use. Some are bigger than others. Think of it like different size toys – some are really small, and others are big and take up more space. The same goes for integers – some are small, like 1 or 2, and others are really big, like 1,000 or 1,000,000.

When you use a big integer, the computer has to work harder to store and use it. But most modern computers are pretty good at handling big integers.

In summary, an integer is a type of whole number that a computer can use to do calculations. It's stored in the computer's memory and can be big or small, depending on what you need it for.