Java Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 4
Storing and Naming Data
A Data-Processing Machine
A computer can be described as a machine that processes data. You can
imagine a digital meat grinder into which raw data is fed. When you turn the
grinder's handle, the raw data is converted into some form of consumable
digital sausage. Using this same meat grinder image we can say that a pro-
gram is a set of instructions that determine how the raw data is processed.
Therefore, one of the main functions of a programming language, such as
Java, is the classification, manipulation, and storage of computer data. In
this chapter we look at how data is stored in a Java program and learn how
to create and use different types of data.
What is Computer Data?
Data is a general term that can be applied to many types of objects. It means
an item of information.
Incidentally...
Strictly speaking “data” is the plural of “datum” but, in practice, no
one bothers making this distinction.
The following can be considered items of data:
3.1415
Minnesota
131 Calm Court
75
X
