Int vs. Long: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 2, 2024
Int is a data type for integers with a limited range, typically 32-bit, while Long is for larger integers, generally 64-bit, offering a broader range.
Key Differences
Int, short for integer, represents whole numbers in programming and typically occupies 32 bits in memory, limiting its range of values. Long, on the other hand, is an extended form of integer, generally occupying 64 bits, allowing for a much larger range of values. Both are used to store numerical data without decimal points but differ in their capacity.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024
In many programming languages, Int is the default data type for integer values due to its sufficient range for common tasks and efficient memory usage. Long is utilized when dealing with larger numbers that exceed Int's capacity, like in large-scale computations or handling big data. The choice between Int and Long depends on the required number range and memory considerations.
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Feb 02, 2024
When programming, choosing between Int and Long also impacts performance. Int operations are generally faster and more memory-efficient, suitable for routine tasks. Long is used when these advantages are outweighed by the need for a larger numerical range, like in scientific calculations or financial applications.
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Feb 02, 2024
In summary, Int and Long are both integral data types in computing, differing mainly in their size and range. Int is more common for everyday programming tasks, while Long is reserved for scenarios requiring handling of very large numbers.
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Feb 02, 2024
Comparison Chart
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Typical Use Cases
General computations, everyday tasks
Handling very large numbers, scientific calculations
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Int and Long Definitions
Int
A fundamental numeric type in most programming languages.
Ensure the function returns an Int.
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Long
An extended integer type for larger numbers.
The variable 'population' is a Long, as it's a very large number.
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Int
A whole number without a fractional component.
The variable 'score' is an Int with a value of 100.
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Long
In programming, a 64-bit data type for storing large integers.
For astronomical calculations, use a Long type.
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Int
In programming, a 32-bit data type for storing integers.
To save memory, we used an Int for the loop counter.
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Long
A numeric type in computing, used when Int is insufficient.
For the file size, a Long data type is necessary.
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Int
Used for integer arithmetic in computer programs.
The Int data type is sufficient for this calculation.
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Long
Preferred in situations requiring arithmetic with big numbers.
Financial calculations often require the Long data type.
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Int
Represents integers in computer memory, typically in 4 bytes.
The array index is an Int.
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Long
Having the greater length of two or the greatest length of several
The long edge of the door.
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Long
Extending or landing beyond a given boundary, limit, or goal
Her first serve was long.
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Long
Concerned with distant issues; far-reaching
Took a long view of the geopolitical issues.
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Long
Having an abundance or excess of
"politicians whose résumés are long on competence" (Margaret Garrard Warner).
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Long
Having a holding of a commodity or security in expectation of a rise in price
Long on soybeans.
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Long
(Linguistics) Having a comparatively great duration. Used of a vowel or consonant.
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Long
(Grammar) Relating to or being the English speech sounds (ā, ē, ī, ō, ) that are tense vowels or diphthongs.
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Long
Being of relatively great duration. Used of a syllable in quantitative prosody.
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Long
At or to a considerable distance; far
She walked long past the end of the trail.
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Long
At a point of time distant from that referred to
That event took place long before we were born.
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Long
One who acquires holdings in a security or commodity in expectation of a rise in price.
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Long
To have an earnest, heartfelt desire, especially for something beyond reach.
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Long
Having much distance from one terminating point on an object or an area to another terminating point usually applies to horizontal dimensions; see Usage Notes below.
It's a long way from the Earth to the Moon.
How long was your newborn baby?
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Long
Having great duration.
The pyramids of Egypt have been around for a long time.
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Long
Seemingly lasting a lot of time, because it is boring or tedious or tiring.
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Long
(finance) Possessing or owning stocks, bonds, commodities or other financial instruments with the aim of benefiting of the expected rise in their value.
I'm long in DuPont.
I have a long position in DuPont.
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Long
(cricket) Of a fielding position, close to the boundary (or closer to the boundary than the equivalent short position).
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Long
Landing beyond the baseline, and therefore deemed to be out.
That forehand is long.
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Long
(gambling) Of betting odds, offering a very large return for a small wager.
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Long
Occurring or coming after an extended interval; distant in time; far away.
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Long
(music) A note formerly used in music, one half the length of a large, twice that of a breve.
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Long
(programming) A long integer variable, twice the size of an int, two or four times the size of a short, and half of a long long.
A long is typically 64 bits in a 32-bit environment.
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Long
(finance) An entity with a long position in an asset.
Every uptick made the longs cheer.
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Long
(intransitive) To await, aspire, desire greatly (something to occur or to be true).
She longed for him to come back.
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Long
For a long duration.
Will this interview take long?
Paris has long been considered one of the most cultured cities in the world.
She has known us as long as you
I haven't long to live.
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Long
Drawn out in a line, or in the direction of length; protracted; extended; as, a long line; - opposed to short, and distinguished from broad or wide.
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Long
Drawn out or extended in time; continued through a considerable tine, or to a great length; as, a long series of events; a long debate; a long drama; a long history; a long book.
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Long
Slow in passing; causing weariness by length or duration; lingering; as, long hours of watching.
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Long
Occurring or coming after an extended interval; distant in time; far away.
The we may us reserve both fresh and strongAgainst the tournament, which is not long.
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Long
Having a length of the specified measure; of a specified length; as, a span long; a yard long; a mile long, that is, extended to the measure of a mile, etc.
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Long
Having a supply of stocks or goods; prepared for, or depending for a profit upon, advance in prices; as, long of cotton. Hence, the phrases: to be, or go, long of the market, to be on the long side of the market, to hold products or securities for a rise in price, esp. when bought on a margin. Contrasted to short.
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Long
A note formerly used in music, one half the length of a large, twice that of a breve.
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Long
The longest dimension; the greatest extent; - in the phrase, the long and the short of it, that is, the sum and substance of it.
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Long
To a great extent in time; during a long time.
They that tarry long at the wine.
When the trumpet soundeth long.
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Long
At a point of duration far distant, either prior or posterior; as, not long before; not long after; long before the foundation of Rome; long after the Conquest.
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Long
Through the whole extent or duration.
The bird of dawning singeth all night long.
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Long
Through an extent of time, more or less; - only in question; as, how long will you be gone?
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Long
To feel a strong or morbid desire or craving; to wish for something with eagerness; - followed by an infinitive, or by for or after.
I long to see you.
I have longed after thy precepts.
I have longed for thy salvation.
Nicomedes, longing for herrings, was supplied with fresh ones . . . at a great distance from the sea.
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Long
To belong; - used with to, unto, or for.
The labor which that longeth unto me.
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Long
A comparatively long time;
This won't take long
They haven't been gone long
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Long
Primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified;
A long life
A long boring speech
A long time
A long friendship
A long game
Long ago
An hour long
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Long
Primarily spatial sense; of relatively great or greater than average spatial extension or extension as specified;
A long road
A long distance
Contained many long words
Ten miles long
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Long
Of relatively great height;
A race of long gaunt men
Looked out the long French windows
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Long
Holding securities or commodities in expectation of a rise in prices;
Is long on coffee
A long position in gold
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Long
Of speech sounds (especially vowels) of relatively long duration (as e.g. the English vowel sounds in `bate', `beat', `bite', `boat', `boot')
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Long
(of memory) having greater than average range;
A long memory especially for insults
A tenacious memory
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Long
Planning prudently for the future;
Large goals that required farsighted policies
Took a long view of the geopolitical issues
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Long
Having or being more than normal or necessary:
Long on brains
In long supply
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Long
For an extended time or at a distant time;
A promotion long overdue
Something long hoped for
His name has long been forgotten
Talked all night long
How long will you be gone?
Arrived long before he was expected
It is long after your bedtime
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Long
Occupies more memory to handle bigger integers than Int.
The database ID is a Long to accommodate all records.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is Int faster than Long?
Yes, operations with Int are generally faster due to its smaller size and less memory usage.
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What is an Int?
An Int is a data type in programming used for storing whole numbers without decimals, typically limited to 32 bits.
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Why choose Long in programming?
Choose Long when dealing with numbers larger than can be stored in a 32-bit Int.
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What is a Long?
A Long is an extended integer data type in programming, capable of storing larger numbers, usually 64 bits.
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What happens if a number exceeds Int's range?
If a number exceeds Int's range, it can cause an overflow error or incorrect results.
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Are Int and Long different in all programming languages?
Most languages have similar concepts of Int and Long, but the exact size and range can vary.
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Feb 02, 2024
Why is Long used in financial applications?
Long is used because financial calculations often involve large numbers.
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Feb 02, 2024
When should I use Int over Long?
Use Int for general-purpose programming where the number range is within the limits of a 32-bit integer.
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Is Int suitable for counting items?
Yes, as long as the count doesn't exceed its maximum value.
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Does using Long impact program performance?
It can, especially in operations involving a large number of calculations.
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Does Long consume more memory than Int?
Yes, Long consumes more memory as it stores larger numbers.
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Can I convert a Long to an Int?
Yes, but you risk data loss if the Long's value exceeds the range of an Int.
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Can Int and Long be used interchangeably?
They are not interchangeable; Int is used for smaller numbers, while Long is for larger values.
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Can Int handle negative numbers?
Yes, Int can store both positive and negative numbers.
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Are there types larger than Long?
Some languages offer types larger than Long, like BigInteger in Java.
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How do I choose between Int and Long in my code?
Base your choice on the size of the numbers you need to handle.
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Feb 02, 2024
Can I use Int for decimal numbers?
No, Int is for whole numbers only. Use float or double for decimals.
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Is Long the default type for integers?
No, Int is typically the default. Long is used for specific needs.
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Feb 02, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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