Choosing types

301.4 Data Types and Casting

Data Types and Casting — Note 2 of 4

Select correct data types.

What you need to know

Choosing the right data type matters for correctness and efficiency. Use int for counting, float for measurements, str for text, and bool for yes/no decisions.

What to know

Use int for quantities you count (lives, score)
Use float for measurements (height, price)
Use str for any text or mixed characters
Use bool for flags and conditions

Code examples

Choosing types

python

lives = 3          # int — count of lives
height = 1.75      # float — measurement
postcode = "SW1"   # str — contains letters
is_admin = False   # bool — yes/no flag

← Previous noteCommon data types301.4 Data Types and Casting Next note →Casting301.4 Data Types and Casting

Back to Data Types and Casting

Specification notes for programming are in Paper 2.

Choosing types

301.4 Data Types and Casting

Practise exam questions

Data Types and Casting — Note 2 of 4

Select correct data types.

What you need to know

Choosing the right data type matters for correctness and efficiency. Use int for counting, float for measurements, str for text, and bool for yes/no decisions.

What to know

Use int for quantities you count (lives, score)
Use float for measurements (height, price)
Use str for any text or mixed characters
Use bool for flags and conditions

Code examples

Choosing types

python

lives = 3          # int — count of lives
height = 1.75      # float — measurement
postcode = "SW1"   # str — contains letters
is_admin = False   # bool — yes/no flag

← Previous noteCommon data types301.4 Data Types and Casting Next note →Casting301.4 Data Types and Casting

Back to Data Types and Casting

Specification notes for programming are in Paper 2.